Visionary Urges Systemic Shift as Coronation WIN Conference Advances Women’s Leadership Agenda
A visionary speaker at the Coronation Women Initiative Network (WIN) Conference 2026 has called for a fundamental shift from individual success stories to building institutional systems that enable women to thrive sustainably in the financial sector.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Building Systems that Enable Women to Lead and Thrive,” Olatowun Candide-Johnson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GAIA Africa, stressed that lasting progress in gender equity requires deliberate structural reforms rather than isolated initiatives.
“Today, we must shift the conversation from what women should do differently to the systems that must exist for them to thrive consistently,” she said, urging organisations to move beyond short-term interventions and invest in frameworks that deliver long-term impact.
Candide-Johnson noted that institutions such as Coronation Group are uniquely positioned at the intersection of capital, technology, influence, and talent, which can be leveraged to create pathways for women’s advancement.
Her remarks set the tone for the conference, which convened over 500 women in Lagos as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.
The event brought together female professionals across Coronation’s operations in Ghana, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, alongside board members, chief executives, and senior industry leaders.
With the theme “Give to Gain: Pledge to Progress 2.0,” the conference reinforced the organisation’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership and promoting sustainable wealth creation across Africa, in line with its “Women in Finance” sustainability pillar.
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Also speaking, the Sponsor of Coronation WIN, Pai Gamde, emphasised the need for measurable outcomes in gender-focused initiatives.
“Coronation WIN is about translating intent into impact. Empowering women is not just a social priority, but a strategic imperative for building resilient institutions and inclusive economies,” Gamde said.
Participants at the conference described the gathering as both inspiring and practical, highlighting a renewed emphasis on collective responsibility in advancing women’s leadership.
One of the attendees, Oluwabunmi Adetiloye, said the event broadened her perspective on leadership and impact.
“This conference has challenged me to be more intentional, not just about my own growth, but about creating opportunities for other women to rise,” she said.
The Coronation WIN initiative, launched in April 2024, continues to provide mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities for women, while encouraging male allies to champion gender inclusion.
The conference forms part of Coronation Group’s broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, aligning with global priorities such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, as the organisation deepens efforts to drive inclusive growth across the financial services sector.
