By Juliet Umeh
In celebration of International Women’s Day, IWD, 2025, financial technology firm PalmPay has taken a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in the fintech sector.
Through its Purple Woman programme, the company trained and empowered over 100 women with essential digital skills, reinforcing its commitment to fostering inclusivity in the male-dominated industry.
The initiative, which ran over the weekend, provided women with hands-on training in human resources, data analysis, software development, and UI/UX design, equipping them with the expertise needed to thrive in the digital economy. Beyond training, PalmPay also announced internship opportunities for 10 outstanding participants, giving them direct industry exposure to further develop their skills.
Speaking at the event, PalmPay’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jiapei Yan, emphasized the company’s long-term vision of ensuring women are not just participants but leaders in fintech.
“At PalmPay, we believe in saying ‘Yes to More’—not just for our customers but also for greater impact, opportunities, and innovation,” Yan stated.
“By actively addressing the underrepresentation of women in finance and fintech, we are building a more inclusive and dynamic industry.”
The initiative aligns with this year’s IWD theme, ‘Accelerating Action,’ which calls for proactive efforts to close the gender gap and create tangible opportunities for women in tech.
Beyond training: A commitment to career growth
Unlike many one-off empowerment events, PalmPay’s Purple Woman Masterclass is designed as a sustainable initiative that extends beyond training. According to Femi Hanson, PalmPay’s Head of Marketing and Communications, the programme is structured to provide long-term support, including mentorship and real-world experience.
“We are not just making promises—we are ensuring that women receive actual training and access to job opportunities,” Hanson said.
The event also featured an inspiring session by renowned career coach Chidiogo Ikenna, who spoke on ‘Self-Discovery and Career Growth.’ She highlighted the importance of self-awareness in making informed career decisions and introduced the SMART Goal Framework as a tool for setting clear and actionable career objectives.
“To succeed, your goals must be specific and time-bound,” Ikenna advised. “Instead of saying, ‘I want to be successful,’ define a concrete plan—such as completing a UI/UX certification in six months and applying for design roles.”
As the fintech sector continues to expand, initiatives like PalmPay’s Purple Woman programme are playing a crucial role in shaping a more diverse and inclusive industry. By equipping women with the right skills and opportunities, PalmPay is not just celebrating IWD 2025—it is actively paving the way for a future where more women thrive in fintech.
