By JKNewsMedia
REDEFINING WORKPLACE culture and driving community development, bold strides in gender equity and women’s empowerment are positioning Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) as a transformative force.
With a deep-rooted legacy of progressive leadership, the institution is shaping the financial sector through pioneering policies designed to support Nigerian women across every facet of society, as noted in an e-statement by the bank.
Recognition as the ‘Family-Friendly Bank of the Year’ by The New Telegraph reflects the Bank’s commitment to creating supportive structures for both its workforce and customers.
This accolade highlights a portfolio of initiatives that transcend tokenism and actively address systemic barriers for women.
It also says that through its flagship Alpher initiative, the UBN is extending bespoke financial solutions, mentorship platforms, and entrepreneurial support to female students, professionals, and business owners.
Alpher has become a gateway to not only financial services but also career development and exclusive lifestyle benefits designed for long-term success.
The bank further reveals that its partnership with the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce’s Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) programme has opened doors for aspiring entrepreneurs to access practical training and secure grant funding, with graduates now contributing meaningfully to local economies.
Internally, Union Bank has redefined maternity care standards with a five-month fully paid maternity leave, enhanced by the option to proceed on annual leave thereafter.
This policy, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on ‘Good Health and Well-Being’, affirms the Bank’s resolve to protect maternal health and foster family bonding without compromising career growth.
UBN stresses that support for working mothers will continue with the establishment of a modern crèche at its Head Office in Marina, Lagos Island.
Featuring lactation rooms and comprehensive child-friendly amenities, this facility aligns with SDG 5: ‘Gender Equality’, giving employees the tools to balance professional and personal roles in a welcoming environment.
The Women Empowerment Hub (WeHub), UBN’s internal support network, organises regular forums addressing the digital gender divide and strategising career advancement for women within the Bank.
These knowledge-sharing sessions promote inclusion and help develop leadership pipelines, the bank says.
UBN said its approach to gender inclusion is not only holistic but transformative, from internal policy to community outreach, and creating spaces where women are seen, supported, and empowered.
