Fidelity Bank, Partners Launch ‘Give Her Power’ Initiative to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment

Story: Written by springnewsng March 12,1026
Fidelity Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to promoting women’s economic advancement with the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several partner organisations to launch the “Give Her Power” initiative. The programme is aimed at equipping Nigerian women with vocational skills, mentorship, and financial literacy to build sustainable businesses.
The initiative was unveiled during activities marking International Women’s Day 2026 at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos.
The collaboration brings together key partners including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and One Universe.
The initiative is built around Fidelity Bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, which provides structured vocational training, business support, and enterprise opportunities for women across various sectors.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the programme reflects the bank’s ongoing efforts to support women in achieving financial independence.
According to her, empowering women is both a social responsibility and a strategic economic move.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that empowering women goes beyond charity. Through the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative and the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, we are providing practical tools, vocational skills, and financial knowledge that will help women transform their efforts into sustainable enterprises,” she said.
She explained that the initiative will feature several interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to women running microbusinesses. The programme will also provide vocational training in areas such as automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hairdressing, and shoemaking.
Other activities include mentorship sessions with successful female entrepreneurs, professional headshot sessions to strengthen women’s personal brands, and practical training in makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe added that empowering women has far-reaching benefits for families, businesses, and the broader economy.
“When women gain economic power, the benefits extend to families and communities. Studies suggest that advancing women’s participation in economic activities could contribute trillions of dollars to global GDP. This is why we must intentionally create opportunities that help women thrive,” she noted.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Fidelity Bank for supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive economic growth.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Lagos State Government to create opportunities that enable women to access skills, mentorship, and financial resources needed to grow their businesses.
“Women remain major drivers of commerce across Lagos—from traditional markets to emerging digital sectors. This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting and empowering them,” she said.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised the bank for championing financial inclusion and creating opportunities for women.
“Economic empowerment for women remains one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen communities. Partnerships like this show how the private sector and government can work together to create meaningful impact,” she stated.
Representatives of partner organisations also applauded the collaboration, noting that it will expand vocational training opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship among women.
The “Give Her Power” initiative is expected to empower hundreds of Nigerian women through skill acquisition, mentorship, and startup support, while strengthening their role as drivers of economic growth.
Fidelity Bank Plc currently serves over 10 million customers through digital platforms and more than 250 business offices across Nigeria, as well as its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has also received several local and international recognitions for innovation, digital transformation, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.