Amina Mohammad Ali is the Head Business Banking, as well as the Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME) Product and propositions at the Alternative Bank. She shared her thoughts on the women’s month, advocating for safe work spaces for women.
Creating female-centric spaces
The call to empower women in business resonates as a key strategy for driving economic growth and fostering gender equality in Nigeria.
This was a key submission by Amina Mohammad Ali the Head, Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME) Peoducr and propositions at the Alternative Bank, while speaking exclusively to Blueprint weekend in Abuja, at an event organised by XAI Media on behalf of The Alternative Bank to mark the women’s month.
Ali emphasised the need for equal opportunities for young women in all roles, irrespective of gender or appearance, advocating support to enable women excel in their chosen fields, emphasising competence over superficial attributes.
She highlighted the benefits of opening up spaces for women at all levels to enable them contribute to the nation’s development.
She stated that a world where women juggle countless responsibilities, from household chores to professional aspirations, the need for inclusive spaces tailored to their unique experiences is more apparent than ever.
“Imagine standing at the starting line of life’s race, burdened with chores, childcare duties, and hormonal fluctuations, while expected to compete on equal footing with men. It’s a scenario familiar to many women, there is need to create spaces where they can focus and thrive without distraction,” she said.
Explaining further, Ali said the concept of creating spaces for women should go beyond mere convenience; “it should be about empowerment.”
“By establishing spaces with female-centric amenities, women are afforded the opportunity to pursue their goals with undivided attention. These spaces offer more than just the basics; they provide a platform for female entrepreneurs to excel.
“At the core of these initiatives is the goal of fostering economic inclusivity. By offering top-notch services, events, and crucial support like business advisory and financial services, these spaces become catalysts for women’s success. They provide a nurturing environment where women can overcome barriers and reach their full potential,” she added.
Ali however asserts that inclusivity doesn’t mean exclusion, adding that while these spaces may be reserved for women during certain events, they remain open to anyone interested in supporting their endeavors. Networking opportunities abound, with each connection holding the potential to unlock new opportunities and insights.
“So, we hear a lot about economically including women. It’s not and doesn’t mean women should just get free money. It’s about creating an enabling environment. Creating an environment and overcoming all the hurdles that we have as women.
“We need an ecosystem, a support system and sometimes we think we have the support systems but it’s not there. So let’s embrace these opportunities, connect, and empower each other to reach new heights.”
Charging banks against GBV
Speaking on the trend where the banking industries employ young women with the aim to use their physical attributes to get clients, she called on banks to respect and give equal opportunities stressing that their roles should not depend on their looks.
“I think young women should be considered for all and every role you can think of. The role a woman is given can never be determined based on her gender, or how she looks or even her age. If there is any consideration that needs to be made, it should be how to better support her to be able to do her job better not to exploit her female attributes,” she said.
“I think young women should be treated with respect. I think young women should be given equal opportunities for roles that are not dependent on what they look like. I think young women should be considered for all and every role you can think of not that has not yet cannot. The role a woman is given can never be determined based on her gender, or how she looks or even her age. If there is any consideration that needs to be made, it should be how to better support
“I don’t work in an organization where women are stereotyped. I’m not the stereotypical typical female. We hear the stories that some banks task their women to bring customers with money but I assure you that I don’t work in an organization that does that.
“We are an equal opportunity organization. We do not exploit women that kind of exploitation is unheard of. It is something that is deplorable. There is no way you can exploit women and send them off to get business just because of how they look, or take advantage of their gender. I think that is something that is deplorable,” she said.
As the month of March rounds up, these experts’ messages resonate more strongly than ever: empowerment knows no bounds, and the time for change is now. Women everywhere are encouraged to defy expectations and chart their own path towards success. With determination in her heart and data as her guide, they can lead the charge towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”
