IWD: PalmPay champions female inclusivity with tech skills training for 100 women

PalmPay Nigeria, a financial service provided by PalmPay Limited and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has empowered 100 Nigerian women with in-demand tech skills to strengthen their career prospects and promote female inclusivity in the fintech space.

The initiative was organised to commemorate International Women’s Day through a three-day empowerment program tagged Purple Women 3.0. The program, now in its third edition, took place from Thursday, March 5 to Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Participants underwent two days of virtual training focused on practical and industry-relevant skills. The final day was a physical gathering designed to inspire, connect and encourage the participants as they continue their career journeys.

Over the course of the training, 100 women were introduced to several technology and business disciplines, including Human Resources, Data Analysis, Digital Marketing, Personal Finance, UX/UI Design, Software Engineering and Product Management.

Beyond learning new skills, the initiative also created direct opportunities for career advancement. 

At the closing event on Saturday, ten outstanding participants secured internship placements with PalmPay, giving them immediate access to hands-on industry experience and mentorship that will help accelerate their entry into the technology workforce.

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How PalmPay is closing the gender gap in the fintech space

PalmPay Nigeria reiterated its commitment to increasing women’s representation in the financial technology sector through its Purple Women initiative. The initiative forms part of the company’s Global Women’s Masterclass, which focuses on preparing women to participate and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.

Speaking during the event, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, explained that the initiative was created after the company observed the persistent underrepresentation of women across fintech and the broader technology industry.

“We launched this initiative because we realised that there are still very few women in fintech and in the wider tech ecosystem. Our goal is to help bridge that gap and create pathways that allow more women to build meaningful careers and eventually step into leadership roles within the industry,” he said.

According to him, expanding women’s participation in technology is not just about representation but also about building a stronger and more inclusive digital economy.

The program was organised in collaboration with the Global Women’s International Campaign Nigeria as part of activities marking International Women’s Day. Through the partnership, PalmPay hopes to support more women with access to knowledge, mentorship and opportunities that can help them navigate and succeed in technology-focused careers.

Also speaking at the event, Nneka Okekearu, Director at the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, encouraged participants to recognise their value and take bold steps toward leadership opportunities rather than waiting to be invited.

She emphasised that confidence and self-belief are essential for women who want to grow within the technology and professional ecosystem.

“You must be confident enough to take on leadership roles. Nobody is going to hand you opportunities if you don’t step forward to take them yourself. Sometimes you have to stretch beyond your comfort zone and claim the space you deserve,” she said.

Beyond professional development, she encouraged the women to develop strong personal standards and remain intentional about the opportunities they pursue.

To guide the women, she also shared a simple framework built around the word WORTH, encouraging them to embrace their strengths and lift others along the way.

“WORK in your strengths, OWN your voice and remember that your ideas matter. RISEthrough growth even when it feels uncomfortable, TAKE opportunities when they come, and HELPother women rise by mentoring, supporting and encouraging them.”

What it takes to thrive in a male-dominated industry

Speaking on the topic of thriving in a male-dominated industry, Foluso Aduloju, Managing Director of Flexi Microfinance Bank, highlighted that while several sectors have historically been dominated by men, the narrative is gradually changing as more women step forward to lead.

She acknowledged that many women still struggle with feelings of self-doubt, especially when stepping into unfamiliar or competitive environments.

“Sometimes you walk into a room, and you feel small. You feel like you’re not good enough, like everyone else understands what is going on except you. But you have to teach yourself to take on opportunities regardless of how you feel. Growth often starts from the moment you decide not to let fear stop you,” she said.

Addressing the broader conversation around gender representation, Aduloju noted that success in the workplace is rarely determined by gender but by the value individuals bring to their roles.

“The workplace does not reward gender, it rewards confidence, competence, visibility and strategic relationships. Women bring integrity, initiative and strong collaboration into the workplace. The key is learning how to position those strengths in ways that create opportunities,” she added.

To thrive in male-dominated environments, Aduloju advised women to move beyond simply navigating the workplace and instead become strategic about their careers.

“Move from survival to strategy. build confidence, be visible in your work and remain hardworking. Build allies, mentors and peers who can support your growth. Document your achievements, stay grounded and don’t see other women as competitors. “Always show up prepared and live in excellence,” she added.

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