Empowering Women in Fintech: PalmPay’s Purple Woman Initiative
By Chinenye Anuforo
In a significant move to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector, financial technology company PalmPay recently empowered over 100 women in fintech through its innovative Purple Woman programme. This initiative, held over the weekend, aims to equip young women with essential digital skills, fostering inclusivity in industries that have traditionally been dominated by men.
A Commitment to Breaking Barriers
PalmPay’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jiapei Yan, emphasized the company’s dedication to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for women 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. This philosophy underpins the company’s mission to ensure that young women are not merely participants but leaders in the burgeoning digital economy.
Comprehensive Training for Future Leaders
Over the course of two days, more than 100 women received training in crucial areas such as human resources, data analysis, software development, and UI/UX design. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in finance and fintech, PalmPay is actively working to equip women with the skills necessary to excel in these fields. The training sessions were designed to be hands-on and practical, ensuring that participants could immediately apply what they learned.
Internship Opportunities for Outstanding Participants
In a bid to foster real career growth, PalmPay announced internship opportunities for 10 outstanding participants. These interns will gain invaluable hands-on experience over the next three to six months, working closely with PalmPay teams to develop their skills and advance their careers. Yan highlighted the importance of mentorship and community-building, encouraging participants to share their knowledge and build meaningful networks.
Long-term Commitment to Empowerment
PalmPay’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Femi Hanson, articulated the broader objectives of the initiative. He noted that the Purple Woman Masterclass is not just a one-off event but represents a long-term commitment to empowering women in the industry. “Unlike some competitors, we don’t just make promises; we follow through by training women and giving them real opportunities to apply their skills,” Hanson explained. This aligns with this year’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” which emphasizes the need to actively bridge the gender gap and create meaningful opportunities for women in tech.
Insights from Career Coach Chidiogo Ikenna
At the event, renowned career coach Chidiogo Ikenna spoke on the importance of self-awareness in making informed career choices. Her session, titled “Self-Discovery and Career Growth,” underscored that understanding oneself is the first step to success. “Without self-awareness, many individuals find themselves in the wrong careers, making poor decisions, and feeling unfulfilled,” Ikenna remarked.
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.
A Vision for an Inclusive Fintech Industry
The event served as a powerful reminder of PalmPay’s commitment to creating a more inclusive fintech industry. By equipping women with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive, PalmPay is not just addressing the gender gap; it is actively shaping the future of the digital economy. The initiative stands as a beacon of hope and a model for other companies looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech landscape.