MTN, Cadbury, Sterling Bank, Others Win at Gender Leader Awards

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

For putting women in leadership and key decision-making roles, MTN Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria, Sterling Bank, Access Bank and others have been honoured at the 2023 Gender Leader Awards.

At the ceremony held on Thursday, June 15, in Lagos,

MTN Nigeria was spotlighted as the Outstanding Gender Leader for its outstanding leadership in advancing gender equality initiatives.

Also, Access Bank, MTN Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC and Sterling Bank were recognized under the Company Leadership Gender Diversity category, while Cadbury Nigeria and Lafarge Africa were recognized in the Company Board Gender Diversity category for achieving a gender balanced board of directors with up to 40 to 60 per cent representation of women.

Further, Access Bank, Cadbury Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, Sterling Bank and UAC of Nigeria emerged as leaders in the Family-Friendly Workplace Excellence award category for their best-in-class family-friendly workplace policies and prioritizing employee well-being.

The GLA was organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited to promote women’s participation in leadership, employment and entrepreneurship.

The Awards, which is part of the Nigeria2Equal program, spotlighted companies for taking concrete actions towards achieving gender balance in leadership, prioritizing childcare and family-friendly workplace policies, and fostering a growth environment for women within organisations and supply chains.

The awardees were commended by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who headlined the programme.

He praised IFC and NGX for the Nigeria2Equal initiative, saying it is transforming the landscape for gender equality across the nation.

“Your unwavering dedication to reducing gender gaps and fostering a more equitable workplace serves as an inspiration for us all. As you celebrate your accomplishment, let us keep instilling beliefs around gender diversity.

“We must continue to challenge the status quo, break down barriers and ensure that men and women alike have equal opportunities to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.