Zenith Bank to Launch Maiden Girl-Child Empowerment Programme
The virtual initiative, themed “Banking On Her Tomorrow,” will focus on education, mentorship, skills development and leadership opportunities for young girls.
Zenith Bank Plc is set to launch the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, an initiative designed to inspire young girls to pursue their ambitions, build confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields.
The programme, themed “Banking On Her Tomorrow,” is scheduled to hold virtually on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., following the global observance of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11.
The initiative was conceived by the bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, the first woman to occupy the position in Zenith Bank’s history and an advocate for girl-child education and empowerment.
According to the bank, the programme aims to equip girls with practical knowledge, inspiration and guidance to help them make informed decisions about their education, career paths and personal development.
Zenith Bank Targets Education, Skills and Leadership
The maiden edition will feature experts from different professional fields who will share insights to help young girls understand the opportunities available to them and prepare for future challenges.
The programme is expected to address key areas of personal and professional development, including skills acquisition, mentorship, leadership and career planning.
By exposing participants to different career possibilities and practical experiences, the initiative seeks to encourage girls to recognise their abilities, develop their interests and pursue opportunities that align with their ambitions.
The bank intends to establish the programme as an annual platform for supporting girls as they progress through their education and prepare to participate more actively in the economy and society.
Access to mentorship, relevant skills and career guidance can help young people make better-informed decisions about their futures. Initiatives that connect girls with experienced professionals can also help broaden their understanding of career opportunities across traditionally male-dominated and emerging industries.
Building on Existing Women Empowerment Initiatives
The new programme builds on Zenith Bank’s existing interventions aimed at supporting women and girls through education, sports, recognition and economic empowerment.
These initiatives include the bank’s annual International Women’s Day Seminar, its sponsorship of the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards organised in partnership with the Ford Foundation, and the Pad-a-Queen Initiative.
Through these platforms, the bank has supported activities intended to promote women’s participation, recognise their achievements and improve opportunities for girls and women in different areas of life.
The Pad-a-Queen Initiative, in particular, focuses on supporting schoolgirls through menstrual health education and the provision of sanitary supplies. Zenith Bank’s 2025 annual report states that the initiative reached 5,050 secondary schoolgirls and 65 teachers across six schools in Lagos State in 2025.
The programme also complements the bank’s Z-Woman initiative, which supports women-owned and women-led businesses through specialised funding, capacity building and networking opportunities.
Together, these interventions form part of the bank’s broader approach to women’s empowerment, spanning the development of girls in school and the advancement of women in business and professional life.
Why Girl-Child Empowerment Matters
Investing in girls’ education and development remains important to expanding economic opportunities and encouraging more inclusive participation in society.
Beyond access to formal education, young girls benefit from exposure to practical skills, professional role models and guidance on career choices. These resources can help them identify their strengths, build confidence and prepare for changing employment opportunities.
As technology, entrepreneurship and other industries continue to evolve, early exposure to skills development and mentorship can help girls explore a wider range of future careers.
Corporate initiatives such as Zenith Bank’s new programme can complement the work of families, schools, public institutions and community organisations in creating environments where girls can learn, develop and pursue their aspirations.
The long-term impact of such initiatives will depend partly on sustained engagement, access to practical opportunities and the ability to translate lessons from empowerment programmes into measurable outcomes.
Programme Open to the Public
Zenith Bank said the maiden edition of “Banking On Her Tomorrow” is open to the public. Girls, parents, educators and other interested participants are invited to take part in the virtual event.
Interested participants can register through the bank’s event registration link. Those unable to join through Zoom can follow the livestream on Zenith Bank’s social media platforms.
The launch marks another step in the bank’s efforts to support women and girls through initiatives focused on education, personal development and economic participation.
With its emphasis on mentorship, skills development and leadership, the programme is intended to encourage young girls to think more broadly about their futures and prepare for opportunities in their chosen fields.
The initiative’s effectiveness will ultimately be reflected in how well it helps participants build relevant skills, access guidance and pursue meaningful educational and career opportunities.
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