..Emphasises work-life balance, holistic leadership
The Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB) has called for increased female representation at the board level of Nigerian banks, urging the industry to move from the current 30 percent inclusion of women to at least 40 percent.
The Association says the shift is necessary to promote fairness, inclusive leadership, and long-term sustainability within the financial sector.
The call was made at APWB’s end-of-year wellness and networking event, “Fit to Lead,” which focused on holistic development and the critical link between wellness and effective leadership.
Speaking at the event, APWB Chairperson, Rafiat Onitiri, noted that women account for nearly 60 percent of the banking workforce but remain underrepresented at the highest decision-making levels. She acknowledged the progress made over the past two decades, including the emergence of over 10 female managing directors currently leading banks, but stressed that boardroom representation still lags behind.
“Even achieving 40 percent representation would be a major milestone,” Onitiri said, emphasizing that APWB is advocating fairness rather than numerical equality. According to her, women deserve recognition and opportunities that reflect their contributions to the industry.
Onitiri explained that the Fit to Lead initiative was designed to encourage women to prioritise self-care, reconnect with one another, and restore balance after a demanding year. She highlighted the multiple roles women play across professional and personal spheres, often at the expense of their own well-being.
The event featured guided aerobics, stretching sessions, and group fitness activities led by professional instructors. Participants described the experience as revitalising, noting that the emphasis on physical strength and discipline reinforced the importance of wellness as part of leadership development. The collective workouts symbolised APWB’s message that sustainable leadership requires balance, resilience, and community support.
Also speaking at the event, Temi Dalley, APWB’s Second Vice Chairperson, said the initiative was aimed at helping female bankers step into 2026 healthier and more balanced, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Dalley, who is also the Group Executive, Human Capital and Corporate Services at Sterling Financial Holdings, highlighted the growing focus on employee wellness across the banking sector, including mental health awareness and comprehensive HMO coverage. She noted that participants had access to on-site health checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI assessments.
While acknowledging that gender gaps still exist, Dalley expressed optimism about the future, citing the increasing number of women in senior management, executive roles, and board positions.
The APWB reaffirmed its commitment to advocating inclusive leadership, work-life balance, and policies that support women’s advancement, while continuing to engage stakeholders on strengthening female representation in banking governance.