By Seun Ibiyemi
Fidelity Bank Plc has launched its “Give Her Power” initiative, a comprehensive programme aimed at boosting women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria.
The launch included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations, cementing collaborations to support skill development, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
The initiative, unveiled during activities commemorating the 2026 International Women’s Day, is built around the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, which provides vocational training, business support, and enterprise opportunities across multiple sectors.
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Speaking at the event, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the programme reflects the bank’s commitment to helping women achieve financial independence and sustainable business growth.
“At Fidelity Bank, empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic economic approach,” she said.
“Through the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative, we are equipping women with tools, vocational skills, and financial knowledge to transform effort into earnings and turn hustles into sustainable enterprises.”
The initiative will deliver a range of interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to women-led micro-businesses and vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair styling, and shoe making.
Other key components include professional headshot sessions, mentorship engagements with successful female entrepreneurs, and skill acquisition in areas such as makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.
Dr Onyeali-Ikpe emphasized the wider impact of women’s empowerment, stating, “When women are empowered economically, the benefits extend beyond individuals to strengthen families, businesses, and communities. Research shows advancing women could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP.”
The initiative also drew commendation from Lagos State officials. Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, lauded the programme for promoting entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.
Mrs Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, praised Fidelity Bank for championing financial inclusion, noting that empowering women is a powerful tool to reduce poverty and uplift communities.
Partner organisations also welcomed the collaboration, highlighting its potential to expand vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities for women.
Through the Give Her Power initiative, Fidelity Bank aims to empower hundreds of Nigerian women, reinforcing their role as key contributors to the nation’s economic growth and sustainable development.
