A strategic resource centre
The Gender Centre of Excellence (GCE) was conceptualized following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s launch of the ‘Framework for Advancing Women’s Financial Inclusion in Nigeria’ (FAWFIN), which detailed 8 strategic imperatives for implementation by diverse stakeholder in Nigeria.
Bridging the Gender Gap
Challenges such as inequality in the workforce, limited asset ownership, restrictive social norms, and inadequate financial infrastructure have contributed to a persistent gender divide. Despite numerous policies and frameworks initiated by the government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), progress has been slow.
Closing the Financial Gender Gap Through Action
The Gender Centre of Excellence (GCE) is dedicated to transforming strategies into real-world impact. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy,
we are working to close the financial gender gap, enabling women to contribute to and benefit from Nigeria’s growing economy.
Strategic Pillars
Enhancing Sectoral Awareness
Promoting gender-inclusive financial policies through research, data, and advocacy.
Strengthening Sectoral Capacity
Equipping stakeholders with the skills and tools needed to drive financial inclusion.
Supporting Sectoral Innovation
Developing and scaling innovative financial solutions tailored for underserved groups.
Driving Sectoral Accountability
Monitoring progress and ensuring commitments to gender-focused financial inclusion are met.
About Us
The Gender Centre of Excellence (GCE) was established within EFInA in 2024 to harmonize gender-focused initiatives and strengthen policies for advancing women’s financial inclusion. It was conceptualized following the launch of the Framework for Advancing Women’s Financial Inclusion in Nigeria (FAWFIN) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The framework outlined eight strategic imperatives to be implemented by stakeholders across Nigeria.
GCE serves as the hub for stakeholder collaboration, driving financial inclusion efforts for underserved groups, including men, women, boys, and girls.
Vision
To close the gender gap in access and usage of financial services and be the catalyst for women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment in Nigeria.GCE serves as the hub for stakeholder collaboration, driving financial inclusion efforts for underserved groups, including men, women, boys, and girls.
Goal
To be the “sectoral agent of change” by influencing and coordinating industry stakeholders to advance financial inclusion, with a primary focus on women.
Mission
To support and drive effective gender-transformative financial inclusion initiatives
in Nigeria.
To support and drive effective gender-transformative financial inclusion initiatives in Nigeria.
Our Leadership
“Productivity promotes prosperity. Partiality produces persistent poverty. Financial Service Providers who invest in developing solutions for women unlock Nigeria’s full economic potential. Women are innovators, custodians of culture, caregivers, and nurturers of the next generation of the labor force. Breaking down barriers to financial services will significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP and economic output.”
Emezino Afiegbe, Gender Centre of Excellence Lead, EFInA
