IWD 2024: AIICO hosts career guidance, entrepreneurial empowerment  programmes for women

[By VICTOR NZE]

AIICO Insurance Plc., celebrated the International Women’s Day 2024 across the country, last Friday, with programmes and activities aimed at exploring, enhancing, and exhibiting the potential of women, both within and outside of the organization.

The International Women’s Day is marked worldwide on March 8 of every year to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating Women’s equality.

AIICO’s programmes for the day unfolded with a series of engaging activities, including a career development webinar, a vibrant painting competition, and the much-anticipated launch of a new entrepreneurial development program specifically tailored to support mothers.

This initiative underscores AIICO’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and providing valuable resources that equip women with the tools and confidence to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

According to a statement signed by AIICO’s Manager, Digital Marketing and Communication, Mr. Segun Olalandu, these programmes, and activities were organized to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) and to give women a new deal in life, positioning them as equal stakeholders in the household economies.

The day kicked off with a webinar titled “Empowering Women, Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace,” featuring Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Insurers Association. AIICO staff, particularly women, gained invaluable insights as Mrs. Ilori shared her inspiring career journey.

They delved into her strategies for navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry and learned how she rose to become a force to be reckoned with. This interactive session provided AIICO’s women with tangible tools and role models to propel their professional growth and contribute to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace environment.

AIICO’s branches in Lagos and regional locations erupted in a vibrant display of creativity with the “Paint and Sip” competition! Women across the company unleashed their inner artists, sipping refreshments and letting their artistic spirit flow.

The competition buzzed with excitement as colleagues cheered each other on, all vying for a spot in the top three and a chance to claim their share of the prize money. It was a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a refreshing dose of artistic expression!

The icing on the cake for women was the formal unveiling of the innovative and pacesetting ‘Mompreneur Series’ which empowers moms to become successful entrepreneurs with flexible schedules, stable income, and a supportive environment.

According to Mr. Akshat Kumar, a Learning & Development expert who facilitated the programme, “The Mompreneur Series offers a range of benefits for participants, including the opportunity to work with a trusted and respected company like AIICO Insurance Plc, as participants can enjoy a steady income with flexibility, allowing them to manage their family’s responsibilities while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. With this initiative, moms would be provided with the tools and resources they need to succeed in both their professional and personal lives.”

“This initiative is designed exclusively for moms, and it offers a unique platform for women to achieve work-life balance while contributing to household income”, he added.

Participants at the first in the series include professionals and career women from various sectors and businesswomen. It was also a great networking opportunity. 

In addition to the programmes and activities highlighted above in commemorating IWD 2024, AIICO, in partnership with Wema Bank, sponsored 30 women on the Sara by Wema .

The Sara by Wema is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of women, offering comprehensive insurance coverage that ensures peace of mind across various life stages. It’s a reflection of AIICO’s commitment to supporting women’s health, promoting gender equality, and fostering a society where all women can thrive.

The theme for this year, “Inspire Inclusion” seeks to inspire other people to understand and value women’s inclusion to forge a better world.