Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a high-level call for systemic change in the financial services sector, advocating for an aggressive push toward gender parity and increased female representation in C-suite roles.
During a “Green Vibes” celebration at the Group’s Lagos headquarters, industry leaders gathered under the theme ‘Give to Gain’ to challenge unconscious bias and reinforce the belief that empowering women is not just a social goal but a strategic necessity for sustainable economic growth.
The event, according to a statement issued by the company, served as a call to action for the financial services industry to dismantle gender bias and accelerate the representation of women in leadership. The day’s proceedings, which featured a high-level panel discussion in collaboration with Almond Productions Limited, highlighted how the intentional support of women leads to growth, innovation, and stronger corporate governance.
Opening the conversation, the CEO of Almond Productions Limited, Faith Ughwode, described the year’s theme as a catalyst for industry-wide transformation.
“‘Give to Gain’ is more than a theme; it’s a movement. When we generously share platforms, mentorship, and visibility with emerging female talent, we don’t just empower individuals; we strengthen entire industries. Today’s conversations remind us that true progress happens when women lift other women without hesitation,” she said.
Reflecting on the progress made over the last decade, the Managing Director of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Limited, Mary Adeyanju, noted that the industry is moving past the era of symbolic gestures.
“We’ve come far from token representation to meaningful influence in boardrooms. Yet the journey continues. By giving space, amplifying voices, and challenging biases daily, we gain a more innovative, inclusive financial sector that truly serves everyone,” Adeyanju stated.
The discussion further addressed the subtle barriers that often hinder career progression.
The Managing Director of Hallmark Health Services Limited, Oladotun Adeogun, emphasised the necessity of leadership awareness in daily operations.
“Unconscious bias often hides in everyday decisions. Recognising and dismantling it requires courage and collective commitment. As leaders, when we give intentional opportunities to women, we gain diverse perspectives that drive better health outcomes and business excellence,” Adeogun remarked.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Operations at CHI Life Assurance Limited, Patience Ugboajah, reinforced the idea that female leadership has a direct impact on societal resilience.
“The shift is undeniable: more women now sit at decision-making tables than ever before. Let’s sustain this momentum by giving mentorship, fair promotions, and bold advocacy, because empowered women create resilient families, organisations, and economies,” Ugboajah said.
Providing a strategic perspective on the necessity of inclusion, the Head of Enterprise Risk Management at Hallmark Finance Company Limited, Idowu Ogunbumi, framed parity as a fundamental business requirement.
“Gender equality isn’t a favour; it’s smart risk management. Diverse leadership reduces blind spots and fosters innovation. By giving women equal footing today, we gain stronger governance, sharper strategies, and sustainable growth tomorrow,” Ogunbumi noted.
The event concluded with a reinforcement of Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
Since its listing on the Nigerian Exchange Group in November 2023, the Group has continued to manage a diverse portfolio of strategic investments, including insurance, life assurance, healthcare, and finance, proving that a culture of equality is central to its mission of providing risk protection and supporting economic growth.
