The Federal Government and the Securities and Exchange Commission have reaffirmed their commitment to women’s financial empowerment at the International Women’s Day Financial Literacy Programme, held in Abuja.
The event, with the theme “Accelerate Action”, united important players to promote better involvement of women in the finance industry.
As he welcomed the attendees, the Executive Commissioner for Operations at SEC, Dayo Obisan, highlighted the need to close the financial knowledge gap faced by women in Nigeria.
“A financially empowered woman strengthens not just her household but also the economy at large. As we align with the President’s vision for a $1 trillion economy, we must ensure that women are not left behind,” he said.
He highlighted SEC’s dedication to expanding opportunities for women, especially in underserved communities, and acknowledged Stanbic IBTC Asset Management and United Capital for their contributions to the programme.
“This programme is not just an event, it is the beginning of an awareness journey that we hope will translate into increased participation in the capital market, active financial planning, and a more inclusive economic future for our country,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the event as more than just a celebration but a movement and a call to action.
She commended SEC’s efforts in fostering women’s financial literacy and praised its gender-balanced leadership.
“The SEC has demonstrated, not just in words but in action, that women’s inclusion is a priority. The composition of its Executive Management, balanced with two men and two strong, brilliant women, is a testament to the fact that we have a government that does not merely speak of inclusion but actively demonstrates it,” she stated.
She highlighted the critical importance of granting women financial education, offering them safe financial products, and safeguarding them against deceitful investment schemes.
The Minister emphasized the Federal Government’s dedication to empowering 10 million women by 2027 as part of Nigeria’s strategy to evolve into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“Women own approximately 40% of small businesses in Nigeria, and our goal is to ensure they have the financial tools to thrive. One of the key outcomes of our engagement with the SEC is a commitment to training women monthly at the Nigerian Capital Market Institute,” she revealed.
To support this initiative, a technical committee has been set up to develop training workshops and projects focused on women’s financial empowerment.
In her goodwill message, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services at SEC, Mrs. Samiya Hassan-Usman, celebrated the resilience and contribution of Nigerian women.
“They say women are natural multitaskers, we can run a home, build businesses, and still remember exactly what happened five years ago! But today is not just about memories; it is about action,” she remarked.
She reassured women of SEC’s dedication to providing investment opportunities, financial education, and business support.
“SEC has never looked this beautiful, but it is just to show you all how special you are and our desire to see women excel,” she said, urging women to take bold steps in securing their financial futures.
She extended appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs for her leadership and to sponsors United Capital Plc and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd. for their support.
“True empowerment is not just about words, it is about action. We must uplift one another, take bold steps, and be the change we want to see,” she concluded.
The occasion highlighted the significance of cooperation among governmental bodies, financial oversight agencies, and the private sector to guarantee that women are not merely involved but hold leadership roles in economic progress.
Through programs like financial education, availability of safe investment options, and government-supported empowerment initiatives, all parties involved persist in their dedication to hastening efforts for the financial inclusion of women in Nigeria when women succeed, countries prosper.
