Saturday, March 8, 2025, marked a significant day for women globally—International Women’s Day. It is a time to celebrate women, acknowledge their achievements, and address the challenges they face in society. This year, PalmPay, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing fintech companies, took a bold step in empowering women through a remarkable CSR initiative.
As part of its commitment to driving inclusivity and bridging the gender gap in tech, PalmPay hosted the PalmPay Purple Woman 2.0 Masterclass from March 6 to 8. The program trained over 100 young women (aged 18-30) in vital tech disciplines such as HR, Data Analysis, Product Management, Software Engineering, DevOps, UX/UI, and Digital Marketing.
With the theme “Accelerating the Future of Payments: Women, AI, and Fintech,” PalmPay’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Femi Hanson, emphasized the company’s vision: empowering women with digital skills, breaking barriers in fintech, and creating opportunities for long-term career success. The masterclass featured top industry leaders, including Kemi Okusanya (CEO, Hydrogen Pay), Lara Osunsoko (Executive Director, Stanbic Pensions), and Obianuju Odukwe (Vice President, Interswitch Group).
To reward excellence, PalmPay awarded 10 outstanding participants six-month internships, giving them a chance to apply their newly acquired skills in a dynamic fintech environment. This initiative aligns with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” reinforcing the urgent need to bridge the gender gap and amplify women’s contributions to economic and technological advancements.
In a chat with CityPeople, PalmPay’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Femi Hanson, shared insights into the company’s objectives and commitment to gender inclusivity.
What does PalmPay aim to achieve with this International Women’s Day initiative?
“For us, this is more than just a celebration—it’s about action. As a global company, we are committed to empowering women by saying ‘YES’ to more opportunities, more possibilities, and more impact. Through this initiative, we are not only training women but also offering 10 internship placements to ensure they transition seamlessly into the tech workforce.”
“This masterclass wasn’t just a one-day event; it started two days ago, with intensive training sessions in diverse tech fields. Our goal is to equip women with practical skills and then provide them with real-world opportunities to put those skills into action.”
How is PalmPay fostering inclusivity and empowering women within the company?
“The impact is evident. Our panel today featured female leaders across various departments, from global to local levels. We encourage our women to step forward, share their experiences, and mentor the next generation of female tech leaders. This initiative is not just about training—it’s about building a strong community where women feel empowered to lead and excel.”
What is the key message behind this event regarding gender equality in fintech?
“The message is simple: we are not just talking—we are taking action. Unlike others who only discuss gender parity, PalmPay is actively training, mentoring, and creating real job opportunities for women in tech. Through this initiative, we are closing the gender divide and ensuring women are well-positioned to thrive in the fintech space.”
Final thoughts on the success of this program?
“The turnout, engagement, and enthusiasm from participants have been phenomenal. This event is a huge success, and it’s just the beginning. PalmPay remains committed to driving real impact, ensuring more women break into tech, and accelerating action toward gender equality in fintech.”
With initiatives like PalmPay Purple Woman 2.0, the company is setting a powerful precedent—one that goes beyond words and delivers tangible results. As the fintech industry evolves, PalmPay is proving that when women are given the right tools and opportunities, they don’t just participate—they lead.
