Industry leaders in Nigeria’s financial sector have called for greater inclusion of women in corporate treasury and financial leadership roles during the launch of the Women in Treasury (WIT) initiative. The event brought together professionals, executives, and stakeholders committed to strengthening women’s participation in a field traditionally dominated by men.
The initiative, introduced by the Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria, was unveiled at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos as part of activities marking International Women’s Month. The platform aims to support the growth, visibility, and professional development of women working in treasury and finance functions across corporate institutions.
Expanding Women’s Presence in Financial Leadership
Speakers at the launch highlighted the increasingly strategic role treasury professionals play within organisations. In modern corporate structures, treasury teams are responsible for managing cash flow, overseeing financial risks, maintaining liquidity, and shaping financial strategy.
Despite the growing importance of the profession, many speakers acknowledged that women remain underrepresented in senior treasury roles. They stressed that building a more inclusive profession requires intentional investment in mentorship, training opportunities, and stronger professional networks for women in finance.
Creating Pathways for Growth
Leaders within the Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria noted that the Women in Treasury platform had been developed to address these gaps. The initiative is designed to create a supportive ecosystem where female treasury professionals can access mentorship, share knowledge, and strengthen their leadership capacity.
By fostering collaboration between experienced professionals and emerging talent, the platform hopes to build a pipeline of women equipped to take on executive roles in treasury, banking, and corporate finance.
Recognising the Strategic Value of Treasury Professionals
Keynote speakers also emphasised that the treasury function has evolved significantly in recent years. Corporate treasurers are no longer limited to managing daily financial operations; they now play central roles in shaping organisational strategy and financial sustainability.
Industry executives noted that professionals responsible for managing an organisation’s assets and liabilities hold a level of influence that directly affects corporate stability and long-term growth. As a result, expanding women’s participation in these positions is seen as both a professional and economic imperative.
Building a Community of Women in Finance
The launch concluded with the unveiling of the Women in Treasury logo and a networking session that allowed participants to connect and discuss future collaborations.
Organisers say the initiative will continue to create opportunities for training, mentorship, and leadership development, while also encouraging institutions to actively support gender diversity within their finance teams.
As conversations around gender equity continue to gain momentum in the financial sector, the Women in Treasury initiative represents another step toward ensuring that women have stronger representation and influence in the financial decision-making spaces that shape organisations and economies.
