PalmPay Expands Purple Women Initiative to Boost Female Leadership in Fintech
PalmPay has expanded its Purple Women initiative, a programme designed to increase women’s participation and leadership in the financial technology sector.
The expansion was announced during the third edition of the Global Women’s Masterclass, organised by the company to provide young women with digital and professional skills that can help them pursue careers in fintech and technology.
The initiative forms part of PalmPay’s broader commitment to building a more inclusive digital economy and encouraging more women to take up leadership roles in Nigeria’s fast-growing fintech ecosystem.
Addressing Gender Gaps in Fintech
Speaking during the event, Chika Nwosu, managing director of PalmPay Nigeria, said the programme was created in response to the limited representation of women in the technology and financial services sectors.
According to him, the initiative aims to close that gap by equipping women with relevant skills and creating pathways into leadership roles.
“There are not so many women in fintech and in the tech industry, and we intend to bridge that gap,” Nwosu said, adding that the company hopes to see more women occupy leadership positions within the sector.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Global Women’s International Campaign Nigeria as part of activities marking International Women’s Day, reinforcing the theme of women’s empowerment and professional advancement.
Skills Development and Career Opportunities
The Purple Women initiative focuses on training participants in practical digital and professional skills relevant to the fintech industry.
Through the masterclass and mentorship programme, participants receive exposure to career paths in areas such as:
- Marketing and communications
- Product development
- Sales and business intelligence
- Human resources and administration
Following the training sessions, participants are assessed through coursework and written tests to identify top performers.
From the latest cohort, ten participants were selected for a six-month internship programme at PalmPay, where they will gain hands-on experience working across different departments within the organisation.
Mentorship and Employment Pathways
According to Anthony Iwuala, head of human resources at PalmPay, the internship programme is structured to combine mentorship with practical workplace training.
Each selected participant will be paired with experienced professionals who will provide guidance and on-the-job coaching throughout the programme.
Iwuala noted that the initiative is not only focused on training but also on creating long-term employment opportunities for participants.
Previous editions of the programme have already produced positive outcomes. Participants from the earlier Purple Women 2.0 programme were eventually offered full-time employment with the company after completing their internship placements.
Supporting a More Inclusive Digital Economy
The expansion of the Purple Women initiative comes at a time when Nigeria’s fintech industry is experiencing rapid growth and increasing demand for skilled professionals.
By investing in training, mentorship, and employment opportunities for women, PalmPay aims to strengthen the talent pipeline within the sector while promoting gender inclusion in technology.
The programme also aligns with broader global efforts to improve female representation in STEM and digital industries, ensuring that women play a more active role in shaping the future of financial technology.
