Every year on March 8th, the world pauses to recognise the achievements of women and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. But beyond the celebrations and social media posts, one truth remains: progress is far too slow.
From boardrooms to marketplaces, from politics to paychecks, from innovation to investment, women continue to face systemic barriers that limit their ability to thrive. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, is not just a call to awareness but a call to urgency.
Because until women have equal access and opportunities as men, our society—our economy, our businesses, our communities—will never reach their full potential.
The Reality of Inequality: What’s Holding Women Back?
In Nigeria and many parts of the world, gender inequality is woven into the fabric of daily life:
- Limited Financial Access – Women entrepreneurs receive less funding, face more hurdles accessing capital, and are often excluded from financial systems that could empower them.
- Workplace Barriers – From gender pay gaps to fewer leadership opportunities, many industries remain dominated by men, leaving talented and capable women fighting for a seat at the table.
- Underrepresentation in Leadership & Politics – Women are severely underrepresented in decision-making spaces, from corporate boardrooms to government positions, where policies that affect them are made without their input.
- Economic and Social Constraints – Cultural and societal norms continue to reinforce traditional gender roles, discouraging women from pursuing careers, investments, or businesses that could propel them forward.
This is not just a women’s problem. It is everyone’s problem. And the time to act is now.
Why Gender Equality Fuels Economic and Social Growth
It’s simple: when women thrive, society thrives.
- Economically, gender equality boosts national productivity. Studies show that countries with higher female participation in the workforce see stronger economic growth. When women have equal access to financial resources and business opportunities, industries expand, and economies flourish.
- Innovation thrives when diverse voices are heard. Gender-diverse teams make better business decisions, leading to more inclusive and impactful innovations.
- Businesses that invest in women see better performance. Companies with diverse leadership perform better, are more profitable, and have stronger work cultures.
- A more equal society benefits everyone. When we remove barriers to gender equality, we create safer, fairer, and more prosperous communities for all.
How We Can Accelerate Action Together?
At Gigbanc, we believe that financial inclusion is a key driver of gender equality. Access to finance gives women the power to build businesses, make investments, and create opportunities for themselves and their families.
But beyond financial empowerment, we all have a role to play in accelerating action toward gender equality:
- Advocate for policies that empower women. Whether in workplaces, communities, or governments, we must push for equal pay, fair financial access, and business-friendly policies for women.
- Champion women-led businesses and entrepreneurs. Support, invest in, and promote female-led startups and businesses. Economic independence is a major step toward gender equality.
- Create inclusive workplaces. Organisations must prioritise gender diversity in leadership, mentorship, and recruitment. Women deserve not just a seat at the table, but a voice that is heard and valued.
- Challenge biases and discrimination. Speak up against gender bias in all its forms—whether in policies, workplaces, or everyday conversations.
- Support and uplift women in your community. Empowering women isn’t just about policies; it’s also about the everyday decisions we make—hiring fairly, mentoring, and advocating for those who need a voice.
This Is Not the Time for Passive Support. We Must Act
We can no longer afford to see gender equality as a “future goal.” The urgency is now. The longer we wait, the more opportunities we lose- not just for women, but for society as a whole.
Until we build a world where opportunity is not determined by gender, but by talent, ambition, and the right to thrive, we are only holding ourselves back.
So this International Women’s Day, let’s go beyond celebration. Let’s commit to action- as individuals, as businesses, as a society. Because when we accelerate action for women, we accelerate progress for everyone.
#AccelerateAction #IWD2025 #GenderEquality #WomenInLeadership #FinancialInclusion