The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated its dedication to fostering financial inclusiveness for women in Nigeria. Speaking at the She’s Included Gender Inclusion Conference and Summit 2025, SEC’s Executive Commissioner for Corporate Services, Mrs. Samiya Usman, highlighted the Commission’s role in ensuring women, whether traders, entrepreneurs, or professionals, have equitable access to financial services and investment opportunities. She emphasized that financial inclusion is key to national development and economic prosperity.
SEC has implemented various initiatives to promote gender-focused financial products in the capital market. The Commission has encouraged capital market operators to develop investment solutions tailored for women, citing the example of United Capital’s Women Wealth for Women Fund. Additionally, innovative financial products in the commodities market have been introduced to enhance women’s participation in agribusiness. SEC has also mobilized industry stakeholders to support financial inclusion by participating in conferences and showcasing investment opportunities.
Investor education remains a critical component of SEC’s strategy. The Commission has conducted financial literacy programs, including webinars and outreach efforts targeting market women, SMEs, and women-led businesses. These initiatives have helped thousands of women gain the knowledge required to participate meaningfully in the capital market. However, despite progress, financial literacy gaps, cultural barriers, and limited access to credit still hinder women’s full participation in the sector.
In Northern Nigeria, financial exclusion remains a significant concern, necessitating intensified efforts to bridge the gap. Mrs. Usman acknowledged the need for more targeted education and financial empowerment initiatives to ensure communities benefit from economic progress. She called on stakeholders to collaborate in removing barriers and fostering policies that promote women’s financial inclusion.
The SEC reaffirmed its commitment to expanding gender-focused financial inclusion policies, encouraging financial institutions to develop more women-centric products, and supporting women-led businesses in accessing capital market financing. The Commission remains dedicated to building a capital market that serves all segments of society, ensuring that women are not left behind in the quest for economic empowerment.
Source: Vanguard