As part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, Fidelity Bank Plc has launched its “Give Her Power” initiative and signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with several partner organisations to promote women’s economic empowerment across Nigeria.
The programme, unveiled in Lagos, is designed to equip Nigerian women with practical vocational skills, mentorship, financial knowledge, and tools required to build sustainable businesses.
Partner organisations involved in the collaboration include LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, National Credit Guarantee Company and One Universe.
The initiative is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a platform created to provide vocational training, enterprise support and business development opportunities for women in different sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to empowering women to achieve financial independence.
She explained that the programme would deliver a series of interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses, as well as vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe making.
According to her, the initiative will also feature professional headshot sessions, mentorship engagements with successful female entrepreneurs and hands-on training in areas such as makeup artistry, nail care and traditional headgear tying.
Onyeali-Ikpe noted that empowering women economically has wider socio-economic benefits, adding that greater female participation in business and enterprise could significantly boost global economic output.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment in Lagos State, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended the bank for supporting entrepreneurship and advancing women’s economic inclusion.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the initiative as a strategic step toward strengthening financial inclusion and reducing poverty through women’s empowerment.
Representatives of the partner organisations also praised the collaboration, noting that it would expand vocational training opportunities and support the growth of women-led enterprises.
The “Give Her Power” initiative is expected to empower hundreds of women through skills development, mentorship and startup support while reinforcing women’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth.
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