Every November, the world turns its attention to the health and wellbeing of men, an important but often neglected conversation. This year, Access Holdings embraced the moment with renewed purpose, rolling out a comprehensive, groupwide campaign across the African subsidiaries of its Banking Group to promote awareness, early detection, mental resilience, and community support for men. The month-long activities affirmed that men deserve deliberate care and attention, and the organisations they work for must help close the empathy gap that too often leaves men to navigate health challenges on their own.
In Nigeria, where Access Holdings and Access Bank’s largest employee population is based, the conversation began with the Under the Tie podcast episode dedicated to men’s wellness. The session, designed to spark open, relatable dialogue, encouraged male staff to reflect on their physical, emotional, and mental health. The focus on destigmatising vulnerability was deliberate; many men struggle silently with concerns ranging from work stress to family responsibilities and age-related health conditions. To complement the internal conversation, Access Bank extended the initiative beyond the workplace by organising prostate health screenings for men in Ebute Metta, Lagos in Nigeria. The outreach showed the organisation’s belief that the well-being of the community is deeply tied to the well-being of its people.
Across Ghana, adopted a highly engaging, visibility-driven approach anchored on the global Blue November movement. Thousands of employees participated in a themed dress day where staff wore blue to express solidarity with men and fathers, instantly creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. Wellness education was provided throughout the month, focusing on nutrition, exercise, mental health habits, and early checks that can significantly improve health outcomes later in life. Staff also joined a stimulating session led by Dr. George Bediako Inkoom, whose presentation on preventive health and wellness habits made the medical conversation accessible and practical.
Access Bank Botswana approached the month from a mental health perspective, recognising the psychological pressures many men face in both professional and personal environments. With the support of the Bank’s wellness partner, Lyra, male employees attended a candid mental health talk that opened a space for asking questions, seeking clarity, and breaking down the silence often associated with men’s emotional struggles. To complement the serious conversations, Botswana introduced lighter, culturally engaging moments, including a “Spot the Mo-staches” quiz that sparked excitement across the bank. The subsidiary ended the month with a “Wear Blue” day, complete with themed photo backdrops that encouraged teams to share their experiences and amplify the message of support.
In Kenya, the November activities were anchored on visibility, knowledge sharing, and preventive care. Employees wore blue ribbons every Friday throughout the month, a
simple but powerful symbol that sparked everyday conversations around the office. The subsidiary later hosted a large-scale International Men’s Day webinar that attracted 276 participants, including customers and colleagues from the National Bank of Kenya. The session focused on prostate cancer, mental wellbeing, and the broader theme of “Celebrating Men and Boys.” It served as a precursor to the wellness checks and prostate screening scheduled with medical teams from Myer Hospital, Supreme Dental, and Parkins Eye.
Further south in Rwanda, the subsidiary collaborated with AVEGA Clinic to host a detailed prostate cancer education session for staff. The session was complemented by the production of a simple, informative video that demystified prostate cancer, explained its risk factors, and encouraged men to prioritise early checks. For many employees, the visual format made the subject less intimidating and more accessible, ensuring that the message reached people across different age groups and learning styles.
Guinea delivered one of the highest-engagement campaigns within the Group, weaving together internal and external awareness activities that reached more than 2,400 people. Staff wore blue ribbons every Thursday, creating a visual rhythm throughout the month, and the subsidiary incorporated posters, digital visuals, and targeted communication to ensure that both employees and the public received clear information about men’s health risks, symptoms, and preventive measures.
In Angola, the month was defined by openness and dialogue. Staff were encouraged to wear blue ribbons throughout November, but the true impact came from the intentional conversations that took place across the organisation. With support from the Bank’s partner Atrevit, the subsidiary focused on building a culture where employees, especially men, felt comfortable discussing health issues that are typically overlooked.
Namibia closed out the month with one of the most dynamic and participatory programmes across Access Holdings. The energy in the subsidiary was bolstered by dress competitions, Blue November awareness sessions, a team-building event, and a spirited “Mo Your Own Way in Blue” initiative that encouraged creativity and camaraderie. The experience culminated in a “Move for Movember” hike, which not only promoted physical activity but also strengthened bonds among colleagues.
Across all these markets, the 2025 International Men’s Health Month activities demonstrated the power of a unified commitment to empowering men with knowledge, support, and opportunities to prioritise their well-being.
Organisations like Access Holdings play a critical role in normalising conversations, facilitating access to care, and creating environments where men feel seen and supported.
By bringing together emotional support, medical guidance, social engagement, and community outreach, Access Holdings and its subsidiaries made November a month of impact, reflection, and renewed commitment.
