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By Ngozi Onyeakusi—International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration held annually on March 8th. It commemorates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.

In the spirit of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebrations with the theme Inspire Inclusion, the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), organized a hybrid event to commemorate the celebrations. The networking and informative session was supported by Infracredit, Providus bank and 10Alytics. The event attracted top female professionals within the pension industry and beyond to discuss some themes that affect women in the workplace.

The event with the theme Accelerating Gender Parity in the Workplace consisted of two exciting panel sessions with the topic Women as a Solution to Nigeria’s Economic Challenges and Drivers Seat: The Role of Women in Digital Transformation. The panel had female C suite experts within the pension industry deliberate on key issues confronting women in the workplace and in the society at large.

The keynote speaker, Mrs. Anana Emanuel Esq. who is also chairperson of NLPC PFA, in her speech, stated that she has always been interested in the topic of gender parity, while she emphasized that she isn’t out to disparage men but to talk about equity and fairness.

She spoke about the goal of living in a world where every woman and girl can exercise their freedom and choice and realize their right such as to live free from violence, go to school, participate in decisions and to earn equal pay for work of equal value. Emphasizing the same right, rewards, opportunities, and resources to work.

The highlight of the event was the launch of Women of Pension Network (WOPEN), a coaching and mentoring session, connecting seasoned female industry leaders with young female professionals. The PenOp ideology initiative aims to provide guidance, support, and development opportunities to young female professionals in the industry who are seeking to enhance their skills, knowledge, and performance.

In conclusion, the session sought to shine the light on the disparity between the genders in the workplace, particularly in the pension industry and to fashion a way forward in accelerating gender parity in the workplace.