The Alternative Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers women and strengthens communities. This pledge was made during a virtual event held on Friday to commemorate the International Day for Rural Women, which is observed globally on October 15.
The event brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and development partners to discuss ways to promote development under the theme “Rural Women and MSMEs: Driving Sustainability, Strengthening Economies, Securing Our Shared Tomorrow.” The gathering featured an array of inspiring speakers and sessions designed to celebrate, empower, and advocate for rural women across Nigeria and Africa.
Executive Director (South) of The Alternative Bank, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, emphasized the significance of the day, describing it as a call to action. “Rural women are the backbone of food systems, the lifeline of families, and the architects of community resilience,” she said. “Empowering them is not only a moral imperative but also a cornerstone of sustainable national growth.”
Demola-Adeniyi also announced the launch of the Alternative Bank-Utiva Women in Tech Scholarship, aimed at empowering 20 women entrepreneurs with digital skills, innovation design, and business growth training. This initiative will enable beneficiaries to scale their enterprises and strengthen their participation in the digital economy.
The event featured a range of notable speakers, including Eyitayo Ogunmola, Chief Executive Officer of Utiva, who expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to redefine access to digital opportunities for women. Hon. Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
The United Nations was represented by Osalobo Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at UN Women, who highlighted the organization’s ongoing interventions in Nigeria. Kemi Ayanda, Economic Development and Trade Strategist for Africa and the Middle East, delivered a thematic presentation titled “From Fields to Frontlines: Empowering Rural Women and Women MSMEs as Architects of Climate Resilience and Sustainable Prosperity.”
The commemoration emphasized the need for bold action to advance the equality, rights, and empowerment of women and girls living in rural settings. The Alternative Bank’s mission to drive sustainable, inclusive, and ethical finance models that unlock opportunities for women-led enterprises and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic resilience was reinforced throughout the event.