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Beyond STEM: Women Conquering Banking and Politics.
In last week’s edition of this column, we spotlighted women in STEM, celebrating their resilience in navigating fields traditionally dominated by men. A thought-provoking comment from a reader opened a new chapter in my reflections. “What about the banking sector?” they asked. Indeed, women have been scripting success stories in banking, breaking ceilings that once seemed unbreakable. However, as I pondered this, another realization struck—what about politics?
Women in Banking: Shattering the Glass Ceiling
The banking sector, long seen as a fortress of masculinity, now boasts a wealth of female trailblazers. Women like Ibukun Awosika, who made history as the first female chairperson of First Bank Nigeria, epitomize grace and grit. These women are more than just figures of success; they are the architects of a new, more inclusive financial world. Women such as Simisola Shittu and Adebimpe Akinsola have followed in Awosika’s trail, proving that competence and innovation are not confined to one gender. They have mastered the art of leadership in a space that was once a male-dominated battlefield.
What makes their achievements even more powerful is the way they’ve transformed the banking landscape, pushing boundaries and creating spaces where women and men alike can thrive. These women aren’t merely filling roles; they’re redefining the game.
As we celebrate the progress of women in banking, it’s impossible to ignore their achievements in politics. Long before Mojisola Lasbat Meranda made history as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, women were already breaking political barriers across Nigeria. Dame Virgy Etiaba became the first female governor in Nigeria when she briefly assumed the position of governor of Anambra State. Senator Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation, broke her own barriers, making bold moves to redefine Nigerian aviation policies. Senator Remi Tinubu, with her voice echoing in the Senate, has continued to advocate for social change and women’s empowerment.
These women, and countless others, have shown that women in politics are not just a rarity, but a force to be reckoned with. They’ve proven time and again that women can lead effectively, create policies that matter, and inspire change that reverberates far beyond their individual offices. But the road has not been smooth. For every woman who rises in politics, the obstacles often multiply—be it in gaining trust, gaining traction in male-dominated spaces, or breaking free from limiting stereotypes. Yet, the journey continues.
The Power of Momentum: From Banking to Politics
There is an undeniable link between the surge of women in banking and politics. Both sectors demand not just competence but a resilience that defies conventional expectations. Women like Mojisola Lasbat Meranda take the torch passed down from female leaders in the banking sector and continue to light the way for future generations. Her rise to Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly isn’t just a victory for her—it is a victory for all women in Nigeria and beyond, signaling that the political door is no longer a realm where women merely knock, but one they can walk through confidently.
As these powerful women lead, they create pathways for others to follow. It’s essential to continue to support women at every level. From providing mentorship opportunities to ensuring that gender biases are challenged, we must strive to create an environment where women can not only participate in the workforce or in governance but truly lead it. As the saying goes, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” And this truth holds, not just for banking and politics, but for every field.
When I look at the women breaking boundaries in STEM, banking, and politics, I see a picture of hope, resilience, and power. These accomplishments don’t just speak to individual success—they shape the very fabric of our society, showing that women’s leadership is vital, necessary, and unstoppable.
Simisola Shittu, Ibukun Awosika, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, and all the women in banking and politics are not just rewriting the narrative—they are boldly crafting a new future. The more women rise, the more doors open for others to walk through. The journey is far from over, but the future is bright, and it belongs to women who are rising, not just surviving, but thriving in every field.
Wonderful write up that showcase the achievements of the female genders. This should serve as an encouragement to young ladies out there that the sky is the beginning of their success in life, and that gender is no more a barrier to their success.
To the parents as well, it is crystal clear that woman are no longer liabilities rather they are worthy assets