The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has made significant strides in promoting gender inclusion, with women now making up 35% of recently appointed directors in the financial sector. This milestone was announced by CBN Governor, Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, during the International Women’s Day commemoration at the CBN headquarters in Abuja .
Cardoso emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership, stating that women now constitute three out of the seven non-executive board members at the CBN. He also highlighted the bank’s commitment to promoting gender balance and providing opportunities for women to thrive in the financial sector.
The CBN has implemented various initiatives to drive gender inclusivity, including leadership development programs, mentorship, and supportive workplace policies.
Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Emem Usoro, encouraged women to take on leadership roles boldly and challenge the status quo .
The bank has also established a Gender Desk within its Financial Inclusion Unit to address barriers such as low trust in financial institutions and limited financial literacy. A recent study revealed a nine per cent gender gap in financial access, underscoring the need for continued efforts to close this disparity .
Overall, the CBN’s commitment to gender inclusion is a significant step towards creating a more equitable financial sector in Nigeria.
