Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence, and making sure that impact lasts in your absence. Sheryl Sandberg (COO, FACEBOOK).
The enormous contribution women make to global economies is apparent and cannot be over emphasized! In Africa, women constitute 50% of the population in Sub Saharan Africa, and over 51% in Ghana; hence growth is undermined if women are under-developed or sub-optimized”.
Since its establishment in Ghana eleven years ago, Access Bank Ghana has endeavoured to inculcate women participation at the helm of its affairs. This is in recognition of the enormous contribution women make to national development globally. As a learning organization, Access Bank applies best practices and standards in all facets of its operation and this includes an intentional effort at ensuring gender parity.
The special focus on woman runs through governance, management, staff and products designed to support women.
Right from the Board, Access Bank Ghana has ensured a growing representation of women to improve gender parity. The ratio presently stands at 6:4 with the commitment to attaining parity in the very near future.
Research has found that the global share of women in senior management roles is increasing incrementally, with 87% of global mid-market companies having at least one woman in a senior management role. In Access Bank, women representation and in effect contribution, is significant, with five women at top level.
These women have brought a touch of finesse to the Board and Management of Access Bank.
For customers, Access Bank has dedicated an entire lifestyle offering to women through its ‘W’ initiative. The ‘W’ initiative journey started in 2009. It’s been a journey into the world of women and banking on women; a journey we are proud of. It is an unending journey as girls grow to become ladies and women and mothers and grand moms and the cycle starts again.
*The ‘W’ Community provides a platform to promote gender diversity as it gives avenue for businesses to promote their goods and services.
*The initiative seeks to support upcoming entrepreneurs who have great ideas and can defend its viability. It is designed to bring together women around the world, allowing them to connect with each other and share experiences through forum discussions, informative articles, capacity building and networking events, thus creating access to markets.
*The offering supports women with funds, grants, financial advice and the opportunity to access finance from banks and other financial institutions.
Access Bank seeks to inspire and empower women in the various phases of their lives through “W”. “W” is about women. “W” is the home for everything Access Bank offers women. “W” is not a product; it demonstrates our understanding of the needs and the challenges women face.
Whether young professionals or women raising a family, or women in business, women can enjoy our bespoke banking solutions, specifically designed to meet their financial and lifestyle needs.
All these efforts toward women are to ensure their financial protection, freedom and present an opportunity of hope to women.
Can we Imagine a gender equal world?
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination?
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive?
A world where difference is valued and celebrated?
Together we can forge women’s equality!
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Access Bank calls on all to take a bold stand today to “Break the bias”. We wish all women a happy International Women’s Day.
