Access bank supports woman empowerment

The Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, has emphasised the role of women in economic development, saying the female folks need to be empowered to enable them to contribute their quota.

A statement by the lender quoted Wigwe as saying this recently at a brunch held at the National Museum of African Art, Washington D.C, United States.

The event was part of the US-African Leaders Summit hosted by the US President, Barack Obama, last week.

Wigwe, who was a special guest of honour at the event that focused on women empowerment, said the bank’s interest in women banking had made to inaugurate the’ W’ Initiative – a programme designed to focus on women banking.


The statement quoted the GMD as saying, “Too often, the role of women on the continent is grossly underrepresented. We must embrace the fact that once the woman is educated, the whole family is educated; and what’s true for the family is true for the community and the whole country.”

He said the ‘W’ initiative offered privileges for women and their families, including access to a comprehensive range of loan products and credit facilities; and access to the ‘W’ community with helpful advice on family and financial matters.”

Wigwe said the bank’s Maternal Health Support Scheme also offered financial assistance to women who faced difficulties with their family.