As March brings global attention to women through celebrations such as International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, conversations around women’s leadership, ambition and impact have taken centre stage. Against this backdrop, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc hosted a special Women’s Month edition of its quarterly UBA Business Series, bringing together inspiring female voices to explore the theme “Gen W: The Evolved Woman.”
Held at UBA House in Lagos and streamed live across the bank’s digital platforms, the event attracted participants from across Africa and beyond, creating a space for meaningful dialogue on the changing role of women in business and leadership.
The session spotlighted a new generation of African women who are not just waiting for opportunities but actively creating them. From entrepreneurship to media and business leadership, the conversation highlighted how women are reshaping industries and redefining success on their own terms.
The panel featured prominent female entrepreneurs and professionals, including the founder of ORÍKÌ Group, Joycee Awosika; media personality and entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye; founder of Fine Funky, Olufunke Davies; and award-winning broadcaster Ayo Mario‑Ese. The conversation was moderated by media personality and actor Tobi Bakre.
During the engaging discussion, the panelists reflected on their professional journeys, sharing personal experiences and practical insights on navigating ambition, building resilient businesses and staying authentic while occupying leadership positions.
They also spoke candidly about the unique challenges women face in professional environments and the importance of confidence, resilience and continuous self-development in overcoming barriers.
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering women and recognising their role in driving economic growth across Africa.
According to her, the theme of the session reflects the evolving identity of the modern African woman.
“The modern African woman continues to evolve, increasingly occupying spaces of influence while shaping conversations around leadership, entrepreneurship and opportunity,” she said.
Ladipo added that platforms like the UBA Business Series are designed to inspire meaningful conversations that support professional growth and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Over the years, the UBA Business Series has grown into a prominent knowledge-sharing platform, bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders to exchange ideas and strategies for navigating today’s rapidly evolving business environment.
Beyond the conversations, the initiative also reflects UBA’s broader commitment to inclusion and economic empowerment across Africa.
Today, United Bank for Africa stands as one of the continent’s largest financial institutions, employing more than 25,000 people and serving over 45 million customers worldwide. The bank operates in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, providing retail, commercial and institutional banking services while promoting financial inclusion through innovative technology.
In a month dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements and contributions, the Women’s Month edition of the UBA Business Series served as both a reflection and a call to action — highlighting how Africa’s “Gen W” is rising, evolving and shaping the future of leadership across industries.
The UBA Business Series has over time become a prominent knowledge-sharing platform designed to equip entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders with insights and strategies for navigating an evolving business environment.
United Bank for Africa remains one of the largest employers in Africa’s financial sector, with more than 25,000 employees and over 45 million customers worldwide. The bank operates in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, providing retail, commercial and institutional banking services while promoting financial inclusion through innovative technology.
