Unilever Nigeria promotes holistic wellness for women

Unilever Nigeria has commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a thoughtfully curated experience themed: “In Her Element” at its head office in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event was thoughtfully curated to bridge the gap between professional excellence and personal well-being, proving that at Unilever, the “whole person” comes to work.

The celebration moved beyond the traditional observance of the global day to focus on creating an environment where all women in the company could feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Through a blend of wellness activities, personal expression, and meaningful dialogue, the gathering encouraged participants to reconnect with their ambitions while celebrating the collective strength of women within the organisation.

To reinforce the importance of personal branding, every woman was treated to a professional makeup session, followed by a headshot session with a renowned photographer, capturing moments of confidence, participants were encouraged to embrace their individuality and power. The day also offered massage sessions that provided tranquillity amid busy schedules, alongside henna artistry and facial screenings that promoted wellness and self-care.

A highlight of the event was the fireside chat featuring accomplished panellists — Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, Ife Durosinmi-Etti, and Jade Osiberu — who shared personal stories of resilience, leadership, and vision. Their insights inspired attendees to reflect on their own paths and reaffirmed the importance of women supporting women.

The atmosphere was further enriched by team bonding activities, including a candle-making session that symbolized creativity, collaboration, and light. Together, these experiences fostered a spirit of reassurance, empowerment, and unity.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria, Tobi Adeniyi, said that through IWD and Shakti (a Unilever initiative empowering underserved women in rural areas by enabling them to earn through selling); the company is reinforcing its commitment to women’s growth, leadership, and inclusion. He emphasized that intentional investment in women strengthens organisational performance and the impact extends far beyond the workplace, strengthening families, communities, and the wider economy.

Reflecting on her personal journey, Non-Executive Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, and Founder & Chief Responsibility Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Adenike Ogunlesi, encouraged women to invest deliberately in their growth and shared insights on building a legacy through consistency; noting that the systems women build around their ambitions often determine the strength and sustainability of their achievements.

Award-winning filmmaker, Jade Osiberu shared insights on her fifteen-year journey in the creative industry, highlighting resilience and consistency as essential ingredients for long-term success. According to her, the ability to remain focused and committed to one’s craft, even when recognition is slow to come, often defines longevity in highly competitive fields.

Also speaking, Founder of Herconomy, Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, reinforced the importance of responsibility in women’s financial empowerment, urging participants to honour opportunities created by others and continue the cycle of support by opening doors for more women.

This event was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the strength and brilliance of women within the organization. By creating a space for reflection, self-expression, and connection, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and amplifying their voices.

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