FITC, the world-class, innovation-led, and technology-driven knowledge institution has marked the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) with the unveiling of Diamond Women Network, meant to project the kind of female leadership FITC wants to present to the world.
The FITC Diamond Women Network was inaugurated to empower women within FITC workforce into achieving their full potential in both professional and personal lives.
Unveiling the scheme at the fourth edition of the FITC International Women’s Day celebration, held virtually and physically in Lagos, and themed: Inspire Inclusion: Empowering Women in the Workplace, Managing Director/CEO of FITC, Chizor Malize, described the FITC Diamond Women Network as an excellent and strategic Employee Engagement Initiative created to empower every woman within FITC.
The scheme is also expected to foster meaningful connections at work and build genuine relationships with colleagues that are life changing, impactful and enhance their wellbeing.
The event was attended by distinguished personalities and industry leaders across the financial service, consultancy, media and FMCG amongst others such as Dr Toyin Sanni, Olusegun Zacchaeus, Dr Adetu, Malik Afegbua.
In her compelling opening address, Malize, underscored the profound significance of this year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion”. A key focal point of her address was the imperative to not only celebrate the strides made in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment but also to introspect on these achievements and actively work towards fostering gender parity in the workplace.
Emphasizing the essence of driving female inclusion, Malize articulated the commitment of FITC to intentionally cultivate a workplace that empowers women and embraces the diversity within its workforce, currently maintaining a balanced ratio of 51% women to 49% men. She passionately expressed, “we believe women are change drivers, champions of growth, and catalysts for quality and excellence.”
Malize said: “Women have always been compared to diamonds not only because they sparkle but because of how valuable they are. At FITC, we do not overemphasize the value of every woman, we understand that every woman like every diamond needs to be refined and polished to reveal her true potential, which we believe leads to their true empowerment”.
According to her, empowering women is fundamental to the health and social development of families, communities and countries, adding that when women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. Also, by contributing their skills to the workforce, they help fuel sustainable economies that benefit societies and humanity at large.
“The objectives of the network are to foster meaningful connections at work and beyond work by building genuine relationships with colleagues and creating support systems that enhance wellbeing. Empower women within the organization by undertaking programs for impact. Provide mentorship opportunities for learning and development and to build future leaders and successors. Inspire women to become better versions of themselves,” she said.
Concluding her address with a thought-provoking challenge, she posed the question, “What are you doing to identify women of quality and create a space for them at the table?” She urged everyone to earnestly engage in advocacy within the realm of work, advocating for women through mentoring, coaching, and actively promoting, inspiring, and pushing women into roles and responsibilities that amplify their contributions. The call to action resonates as a powerful directive to contribute collectively to the advancement of gender equality and inclusivity in all spheres of professional life.
The event further unfolded in three important segments: a keynote address delivered by the distinguished guest speaker Dr Toyin Sanni CEO Emerging Africa Group, a thought-provoking panel discussion and the official launch of the FITC Diamond Women Network. The panel segment featured a dynamic group of industry leaders who provided invaluable insights into the role of inspiring women in the workplace. The panel session moderated by Malize featured Olusegun Zacchaeus Partner PwC West Africa, Dr. Janet Adetu CEO JSK Consulting Group, Malik Afegbua CEO Slick city Media.
In her keynote address, Dr. Sanni, commended FITC for its impactful work in building capacity across sectors in her keynote address. Reflecting on International Women’s Day (IWD), she emphasized the theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” addressing challenges women face in the workforce, such as equal pay, leadership opportunities, and biases.
Dr. Sanni highlighted global gender disparities in laws and the economic benefits of closing the gender gap. Stressing the need for men as advocates, she called for legal reforms, equitable policies, and supportive social structures. Intentionality was emphasized by all speakers, focusing on creating an inclusive workplace by dismantling biases, promoting women into leadership, normalizing flexible work, and ensuring pay equity. Dr. Sanni concluded by acknowledging the resilience of women, urging them to actively break down barriers and work together towards a future of true equality and inclusion.
On her part, Dr Adetu, highlighted the significance of personal branding in fostering inclusion. She encouraged individuals to assess their executive presence and take charge of their professional spaces.
Zaccheaus emphasized the importance of clarity of purpose, productivity, and building a distinct personal brand to overcome challenges and imposter syndrome. He dismissed the idea of glass ceilings, advocating for leveraging technology and solving problems to shape a future where gender distinctions fade away.
Afegbue urged women to share their stories boldly, emphasizing the power of storytelling in building personal brands and inspiring inclusion.
Dr Adetu emphasized the importance of identifying and bridging gaps through empowerment and networking. She outlined ways for women to build confidence, including seeking support, motivation, and inspiration. The 5 As – Attractive, Authentic, Appropriate, Accommodating, and Aligned – were presented as key elements for enhancing executive presence and personal branding. She encouraged individuals to be intentional, authentic, stand out in their environment, be approachable, and align their actions with their personal brand.
The unveiling of the FITC Diamond Women Network by chief launcher Dr Sanni and Malize was followed by the inauguration of the Excos and induction of all FITC Diamonds.
As the inductees took a creed to their commitment, Dr Toyin urged them to include activities such as equipping women reskilling and income generation, also create opportunities to use Ai as it is going to determine the next wave of wealth, job creation.
In the culmination of the International Women’s Day program impeccably orchestrated by FITC, we witness a resounding triumph that echoes the very essence of the United Nations’ vision for gender equality. FITC’s meticulous approach, blending empowerment, education, and engagement, not only positions the organization as a staunch advocate for women but also as a formidable force propelling the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) towards inclusivity and equality.
The undeniable success of this initiative serves as a testament to FITC’s unyielding dedication to creating a global landscape where every individual, irrespective of gender, not only survives but thrives and contributes meaningfully to society. In conclusion, it is abundantly clear that FITC stands as a beacon of positive change, a catalyst for inclusivity, and a visionary architect shaping a future where diversity is not merely embraced but celebrated as an integral cornerstone of progress.
FITC is a world-class innovation-led knowledge and professional services firm providing cutting edge Learning, Advisory and Research Services to clients in the Financial Services and other sectors, within and outside Nigeria.
Established in 1981 as a non-profit organisation limited by guarantee to provide capacity building and serve as a knowledge hub for the Nigerian Financial Services Sector. FITC is owned by the Bankers Committee, i.e., CBN, NDIC, and all deposit money banks in Nigeria.
For four decades, FITC has been at the forefront of innovative knowledge offerings designed for an array of C-suite executives, directors of banks and other financial institutions.
