By Chinenye Anuforo
In an effort to close the gender gap in the technology ecosystem, financial technology company PalmPay empowered over 100 women in fintech over the weekend.
The initiative, carried out through its Purple Woman programme, is designed to provide young women with essential digital skills, fostering inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated industries.
PalmPay’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jiapei Yan, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women in fintech.
Yan said: “At PalmPay, we believe in saying ‘Yes to More’, not just for our customers but also for greater impact, opportunities, and innovation.
Our goal is to ensure that young women are not just participants but leaders in the digital economy.
Over the past two days, more than 100 women have received training in human resources, data analysis, software development, and UI/UX design. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in finance and fintech, PalmPay is actively working to bridge the gap by equipping women with the skills needed to excel in these fields.”
As part of its commitment to fostering real career growth, PalmPay also announced internship opportunities for 10 outstanding participants.
“These interns will gain hands-on experience over the next three to six months, working closely with PalmPay teams to develop their skills and advance their careers,” Yan added.
She emphasized the importance of mentorship and community-building, urging participants to share their knowledge, build meaningful networks, and embrace the limitless opportunities ahead.
Also speaking on the broader objectives of the initiative, PalmPay’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Femi Hanson, stated that the Purple Woman Masterclass is more than just a one-day event, it represents a long-term commitment to empowering women in the industry.
Hanson said: “Unlike some competitors, we don’t just make promises; we follow through by training women and giving them real opportunities to apply their skills.
This aligns with this year’s theme, ‘Accelerating Action,’ which emphasizes actively bridging the gender gap and creating meaningful opportunities for women in tech.”
At the event, renowned career coach Chidiogo Ikenna highlighted the importance of self-awareness in making informed career choices. Speaking on the topic “Self-Discovery and Career Growth,” she said:
“The first step to success is understanding who you are. Without self-awareness, many individuals find themselves in the wrong careers, making poor decisions, and feeling unfulfilled.”
She introduced the SMART Goal Framework as a structured approach to career planning, encouraging participants to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals for professional success.
“To achieve success, goals should be clear and actionable. Instead of saying, ‘I want to be successful,’ say, ‘I want to complete a UI/UX certification in six months and apply for entry-level design roles,’” she advised.
The event reinforced PalmPay’s commitment to creating a more inclusive fintech industry and ensuring that women have the skills and opportunities to thrive.