As the whole world is still celebrating “The Y2026 International Women’s Day”, Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Women Network also hosted a summit to commemorate the day; with the theme “Women Who Raise the Bar”.
The focus of the summit which was on women, drew attention to their role as cultural architects that help in shaping businesses, creativity, community as well as their leadership style.
In his welcome speech, The company’s Managing Director, Michael Ehindero, reaffirmed Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s belief in inclusive leadership and opportunity.
According to him; “They are essential to long‑term growth”, while noting that; “when women are empowered to lead, create, and influence, organizations and communities are stronger for it”.
In the same vein, Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Human Resources Director, Dr. Joshua Ademuwagun while giving his keynote address, reiterated the importance of creating an enabling environment that can allow women to thrive.
Ademuwagun commended the resilience and excellence of women across the organisation as he highlighted notable achievements by women within the Pernod Ricard Group and globally.
The panel discussion session was a moment that brought together leaders and captains of industry from across the different sectors of the economy vis-a-vis 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, which they identified as: from building values to driving businesses, to owning narratives, creating spaces, and influencing how African stories are told globally.
Some of the conversations also centered on mentorship, invisible barriers to leadership, collaboration among women, and establishing the mindset required for young women to find their own paths.
The session closed with reflections on the importance of creating access and giving opportunity as a catalyst for shared success.
Speaking to the media on what the programme meant to her, The Corporate Affairs Manager of the company- Nnenna Duru said: “Women Who Raise the Bar” always have a deep feeling of self worth.
According to her: “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”, she said.
The programme which was hinged on the the global IWD theme “Give to Gain,” helped to weave around the narrative of “how women can influence culture” by the value they give — through access, mentorship, ideas, creativity, and leadership — and how these can accelerate a collective progress.
Through “Women Who Raise the Bar,” Pernod Ricard Nigeria has again reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity and inclusion as ongoing priorities — not moments in time.
It reinforced the company’s positioning as a people‑first organization, a champion of women in leadership, and a convener of meaningful conversations at the intersection of culture and business.
