AXA Mansard supports women entrepreneurs, SMEs

AXA Mansard, a member of the AXAbGroup, is supporting women entrepreneurs and small businesses as part of its activities to mark the international women’s month. Based on the commitment, the company has sponsored the SME 100 Africa event. The event, with theme ‘Balancing for Better; The Rise of the Female Economy’, was held in Lagos, […]

AXA Mansard, a member of the AXAbGroup, is supporting women entrepreneurs and small businesses as part of its activities to mark the international women’s month.

Based on the commitment, the company has sponsored the SME 100 Africa event.

The event, with theme ‘Balancing for Better; The Rise of the Female Economy’, was held in Lagos, Nigeria and saw women from different sectors, spanning government, private sector, academia, small business owners, professionals and housewives, participate. They discussed several issues that have been limiting women in their fields of endeavour, the company said in a statement.

Commenting on the event, Mrs Rashidat Adebisi, Divisional Director Retail at AXA Mansard Insurance plc said, “We at AXA Mansard are very proud to be a part of an event like this which highlights the part that women play in the development of any economy.

“Today more than any other time in history, there’s a strong call to amplify the achievements of females in our society across different sectors. Everyone is encouraged to reflect as a society on the roles of women as managers, professionals, teachers and agents of change, to bring to light how far women in Nigeria have come, and what needs to be done in the overall achievement of gender parity.”

The event featured a panel session tagged ‘Breaking New Frontiers’ which focused on how women could pioneer new industries, re-invent themselves and stay consistent in their efforts to achieving their goals. A total of 100 women whose businesses and initiatives are affecting positively the lives of women and girls were also recognized and awarded.

“The gender differences in participation rates in labour markets have narrowed significantly in recent times. The female labour force participation rate today is higher compared to what it was some decades ago. It is therefore safe to say that women have become an important segment for every sector to target including insurance and other non-banking financial sectors,” Mrs. Adebisi stated.