Lagos, Nigeria – March 10, 2025

Schneider Electric has reiterated its commitment to gender equality and employee development as part of its celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the company announced in a statement on Sunday.

The 2025 IWD theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ underscores the urgent need to address systemic gender biases and advance women’s representation in leadership. Schneider Electric affirmed its dedication to increasing female hires to 50% and raising women’s leadership participation to 30%.

Bridging the Gender Pay Gap

The company also highlighted its continued efforts to eliminate pay disparities. Since 2019, Schneider Electric has fully implemented its Pay Equity Framework, covering 99% of its global workforce to ensure fair compensation across genders.

Beyond gender equality, the company remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees can grow, thrive, and advance their careers.

Recognition for Workplace Excellence

Schneider Electric’s commitment to employee development was recognized on November 22, 2024, when the company received the Employer of the Year award in the Energy and Utilities Sector from the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

Employees Share Their Growth Stories

Several female employees at Schneider Electric shared their career progression journeys, underscoring the company’s impact on talent development.

Funmilayo Olakitan – From Intern to Corporate Citizenship Lead

Funmilayo Olakitan, Country Manager for West Africa, described her rapid career growth since joining Schneider Electric in 2022.

“I started as a graduate marketing intern. Within six months, I was promoted to Marketing Communications Specialist and later transitioned to my current role in corporate citizenship.

Schneider Electric has been instrumental in my development, providing leadership support, training, and mentorship. The company’s culture and work environment have empowered me to progress seamlessly,” she said.

Yewande Ayowole-Oso – A Decade of Growth in HR Leadership

Yewande Ayowole-Oso, Talent Leader for Anglophone West Africa, reflected on her nine-year journey, where she has served in various human resources roles, from HR Generalist to HR Director.

“Schneider Electric has provided me with opportunities to lead across different HR functions, fostering a culture of continuous learning and leadership development. Our talent programmes, internal mobility initiatives, and leadership training have been instrumental in shaping my career,” she stated.

Belema Koleoso – Engineering a Better Future

Belema Koleoso, Territory Technology Lead, who joined the company in 2015, shared how Schneider Electric enabled her to pursue her passion for engineering.

“I started with a vision to contribute to automation and control, and today, I lead technical excellence efforts across Africa.

Schneider Electric has given me a platform to not only achieve my professional goals but also develop skills that drive real impact. Having a dream is just the beginning—the true essence lies in living that dream every day,” she said.

A Commitment to Progress

Schneider Electric’s ongoing initiatives reflect its dedication to advancing gender equality, fostering a diverse workplace, and equipping employees with the tools to succeed. The company continues to push for greater representation of women in leadership and remains committed to an inclusive, fair, and empowering work environment.