Joyce Onwuka
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Women Network convened an intimate and thought provoking gathering under the theme “Women Who Raise the Bar,” spotlighting women as cultural architects shaping business, creativity, leadership, and community.
Anchored in the global IWD theme “Give to Gain,” the event explored how women influence culture by the value they give through access, mentorship, ideas, creativity, and leadership and how that giving fuels collective progress.
The company’s Managing Director, Michael Ehindero, in a welcome address, reaffirmed Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s belief that inclusive leadership and opportunity are essential to long term growth. He noted that when women are empowered to lead, create, and influence, organizations and communities are stronger for it.
At the heart of the gathering was a dynamic panel discussion bringing together leaders across business, entrepreneurship, finance, art, and the creative industries. Panellists – Susan Anisa Younis, Ibukun Abidoye, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, and Tola Akerele shared personal insights on giving, growth, and the role women play in shaping culture from building values driven businesses to owning narratives, creating spaces, and influencing how African stories are told globally.
The event also featured a keynote by Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Human Resources Director, Dr. Joshua Ademuwagun who spoke on the importance of creating enabling environments where women can thrive. He commended the resilience and excellence of women across the organisation and highlighted notable achievements by women within the Pernod Ricard Group and globally.
Conversations explored mentorship, invisible barriers to leadership, collaboration among women, and the mindset required for young women to intentionally architect their own paths. The session closed with reflections on the importance of creating access and giving opportunity as a catalyst for shared success.
Speaking on what the programme meant to her, Nnenna Duru, Corporate Affairs Manager noted:
“‘Women Who Raise the Bar’ felt deeply personal. It challenged me to think more intentionally about how I show up not just for my career, but for other women coming behind me. It was also a powerful reminder that women should never be hesitant to own their achievements and celebrate their impact.
Through “Women Who Raise the Bar,” Pernod Ricard Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity and inclusion as ongoing priorities, not moments in time. It reinforces the company’s positioning as a peoplefirst organization, a champion of women in leadership, and a convener of meaningful conversations at the intersection of culture and business.