Wema bank is not among the biggest commercial banks in Nigeria, but when it comes to its triple bottom line, the bank can lift its head up high. The bank’s corporate social responsibility cuts across gender equality, promotion of culture, health, education, etc.
For example, the bank has developed a systemic thinking approach by adopting a mindset about organizations working together across sectors, breaking down silos to advance the global goals and its corporate objectives. That includes leveraging on partnerships for effective planning, implementation and execution of women empowerment initiatives.
In 2019, Wema Bank partnered with SheCan Nigeria to empower Nigerian women in the course of the year through skill empowerment, networking opportunities and capacity building. The bank also supported about 5,000 women leveraging on this partnership.
Also, the bank embarked on several women empowerment initiatives during the year as part of its efforts to position women for growth and success. The impact of these initiatives has been significant and has helped them make better financial decisions.
The Bank has also launched its first female proposition for women ”SARA BY WEMA”. The proposition is targeted at empowering women to achieve their potentials through mentorship programs, training, networking opportunities and access to concessionary loans. All the female customers of the bank are members of the SARA community.
Wema Bank also invests in education. The bank is in partnership with Knowledge is Best Shared (KIBS) Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). In 2019, the bank partnered with this organization to commemorate the International Girl-Child Day in October. The objective of the celebration was to give back to the girl child through knowledge and resource sharing.
Also, in an effort to commemorate the Breast Cancer Awareness month recently, the bank supported by creating awareness for cancer and advocacy through different channels.
The bank also engages its employees in its iVolunteer @ Wema programme. Wema Bank regularly sees the need for employees to engage in corporate social responsibilities. Through the programme, the bank provides opportunities for employees to explore their skills, talent, time and resources in creating a lasting impact on the society. Wema believes that it is important to build a culture of giving in the bank, as it brings value to life. Its volunteering efforts are focused on areas such as education, environment, finances and health.
In its Mentorship Programme, Wema Bank developed a knowledge-based mentorship programme for students to improve quality education and increase the knowledge of the students on certain topics. Members of staff are encouraged to give back by sharing knowledge in their area of expertise to students. During the year, the bank trained students on cyber security, leadership and development of the vision board.
As a Bank that is passionate about sustainable living and enriching the lives of people around society, Wema has continued to promote its Declutter and Donate campaign, which has become an annual programme. Wema encourages members of staff to declutter and donate food items, clothing, shoes, toys, beddings, electrical appliances and cash. In 2019, the items collected were sent to Maikakaki Community in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. This community is a flood ravaged community with over 1,000 inhabitants. The bank says it will continue to leverage on this campaign to meet the needs of its immediate community while supporting them to create a sustainable future.
The Salary for Love initiative has progressed over the years, from donations to helping critically ill children in government hospitals, neglected individuals, orphanages to schools, internally displaced persons, flood ravaged communities and health challenged communities. Every member of staff donated their one-day basic salary in February 2019 towards this cause. The funds were used to purchase textbooks, refurbish computer rooms and donate insecticide mosquito nets to health centers and communities.
No doubt, Wema Bank can lift its head up high among greats.
