United Bank for Africa (UBA) held its quarterly Business Series in Lagos yesterday, gathering female leaders and entrepreneurs under the theme “Gen.W: The Evolved Woman” to mark International Women’s Month.

The hybrid event, which took place at UBA House in Marina, Lagos, and was streamed live to audiences globally, centred on the evolving role of women in leadership, business, and innovation across Africa.

Founder of the ORÍKÌ Group, Joycee Awosika, told attendees that the evolved woman no longer waits for permission to lead. “That woman does not need to ask to sit at the table, she is creating her own table and adding value,” she said, urging women to grow alongside their businesses and conduct regular audits of their leadership capabilities.

Media personality and digital entrepreneur, Tomike Adeoye echoed the sentiment, saying questions about what women bring to the table had become outdated. “She is now more vocal about her struggles, setting the standards, and she is not ready to give up on her dreams,” she said.

Award-winning broadcaster Ayo Mairo-Ese raised concern about women who shy away from publicising their achievements, encouraging them to own their narratives. “A lot of women are doing phenomenal work and are sometimes afraid of showcasing what they are doing,” she said.

Entrepreneur, Olufunke Davies of Fine-Funky advised aspiring businesswomen to begin from wherever they are. “It is a progression,” she said.

UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, used the occasion to highlight the bank’s Gen W platform, a lifestyle initiative she described as dedicated to women building brands, careers, and businesses. She noted that the platform, which offers access to discounted products and loans, requires no UBA account to join.