The headquarters of Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plcs in Lagos came alive in a sea of green as staff gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, turning an ordinary workday into a colourful tribute to women, leadership and solidarity.
From the reception area to the offices, female employees arrived dressed in vibrant shades of green—some adding simple touches to their outfits, others going all out in bright, flowing ensembles. The colour choice was deliberate: green symbolised growth, hope and the resilience that women bring to workplaces and communities every day.
But beyond the fashion and festive mood, the day carried a deeper message. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” encouraged women to support one another through mentorship, opportunity and shared knowledge—because when one woman rises, others can rise with her.
The highlight of the celebration was a lively panel discussion organised in partnership with Almond Productions Limited, where industry leaders spoke openly about the journey toward gender equality and the importance of seeing more women in top leadership positions.
Among the speakers was Faith Ughwode, Chief Executive Officer of Almond Productions Limited, who described the theme as a powerful call for women to lift each other up.
She explained that sharing platforms, mentoring younger women and opening doors for new talent does more than empower individuals—it strengthens entire industries.
For Mary Adeyanju, Managing Director of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Limited, the conversation reflected how far women have come in the corporate world. She noted that the days when women were included only symbolically in leadership spaces are gradually giving way to meaningful participation and influence.
Yet, she added, the journey is far from over.
Other panellists shared similar reflections. Oladotun Adeogun, Managing Director of Hallmark Health Services Limited, spoke about how unconscious bias still shapes many workplace decisions, often without people even realising it. Addressing it, she said, requires intentional effort and leadership commitment.
Patience Ugboajah, Executive Director (Operations) at CHI Life Assurance Limited, pointed out that more women now sit at decision-making tables than ever before, a sign that years of advocacy and persistence are beginning to pay off.
Interestingly, the panel also included one male voice—Idowu Ogunbumi, Head of Enterprise Risk Management at Hallmark Finance Company Limited—who reminded the audience that gender equality is not just a social goal but also a smart business strategy. Diverse leadership, he said, helps organisations make better decisions and avoid blind spots.
As the discussions ended, the atmosphere remained warm and celebratory. Colleagues shared laughter, stories and encouragement—small but meaningful moments that reflected the spirit of the day.
For Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc, the celebration was more than a corporate event. It was a reminder that workplaces grow stronger when women are supported, recognised and given space to lead.
And as the green-clad staff dispersed back to their offices, the message lingered: when women give support, opportunity and encouragement to one another, the gains reach far beyond the office walls.
