Fidelity Bank Plc has launched the “Give Her Power” initiative, a programme designed to support and empower women through financial opportunities, business support, mentorship, and practical skill development.
The initiative, unveiled as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, is aimed at equipping Nigerian women with tools, training, and financial knowledge that can help them build sustainable businesses and achieve economic independence.
To strengthen the programme, Fidelity Bank also signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with several partner organisations that will support the delivery of vocational training, mentorship, and enterprise development opportunities for women.
Among the organisations collaborating with the bank on the initiative are LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) and One Universe.
The initiative is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a structured platform designed to provide vocational training, business support and entrepreneurial opportunities for women across different sectors.
Speaking during the launch event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, explained that the programme reflects the bank’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities that help women build successful businesses and achieve financial independence.
“At Fidelity Bank, we strongly believe that empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a powerful economic strategy,” she said.
“Through the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative and the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, we are providing women with practical tools, vocational skills and financial knowledge that will enable them to move from effort to earnings and from hustle to sustainable enterprise.”
According to her, the initiative will deliver several interventions throughout the month of March aimed at directly supporting women in business and vocational trades.
One of the key highlights of the programme is the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses and help beneficiaries improve their income-generating capacity.
The programme will also provide hands-on vocational training in areas such as automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe making.
Participants will also benefit from professional mentorship engagements with experienced female entrepreneurs who will guide them on how to grow their businesses, access markets, and manage finances effectively.
Other components of the initiative include skill acquisition training in makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying, as well as professional headshot sessions designed to help women strengthen their personal and professional brands.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted that empowering women economically creates a broader impact that extends beyond individual beneficiaries.
“When women are empowered economically, the impact extends far beyond individuals. It strengthens families, grows businesses, and uplifts entire communities,” she said.
“Research suggests that advancing women could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP. This reinforces the need to deliberately create platforms that support women to build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic independence.”
The initiative has also received commendation from government officials and stakeholders who attended the launch event.
Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, praised Fidelity Bank for taking a leadership role in promoting entrepreneurship and supporting women’s economic participation.
“This initiative strongly aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive economy where women have access to skills, mentorship and financial opportunities they need to thrive,” she said.
“Women remain key drivers of commerce and enterprise across Lagos, from traditional markets to emerging digital sectors. This initiative by Fidelity Bank reinforces the importance of supporting women and promoting inclusive economic participation.”
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, highlighted the importance of empowering women as a strategy for reducing poverty and strengthening communities.
“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen communities,” she said.
“We commend Fidelity Bank for this forward-thinking initiative and for demonstrating how collaboration between the private sector and government can create meaningful opportunities for women.”
Representatives of the partner organisations also expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership will help expand access to vocational training and strengthen entrepreneurship opportunities for women across the country.
Through the “Give Her Power” initiative, Fidelity Bank aims to provide women with practical skills, mentorship, and financial support that will enable them to start and grow sustainable businesses while contributing to broader economic development.
