LAHORE, January 24: The Securities and Exchange of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank have organized a “Women in Finance Thought Leaders Workshop,” involving experts from the microfinance sector, ADB, Women’s World Banking, IFC, and Google, to discuss strategies for women’s empowerment and financial inclusion.
The inaugural day of the “Women in Finance Thought Leaders Workshop” witnessed a dynamic exploration of international best practices in the microfinance sector, shedding light on the challenges faced by non-bank microfinance institutions, particularly concerning liquidity and limited access to finance.
Justice Jawad Hasan, Judge Lahore High court grace the event as chief guest. He highlighted the significant role of microfinance, particularly for women, in promoting economic growth and empowering individuals and communities out of poverty, highlighting their role as powerful agents of change. Justice Jawad highlighted the significant role of microfinance, particularly for women, in promoting economic growth and empowering individuals and communities out of poverty, highlighting their potential as agents of change. He emphasizes the need to address gender disparities, limited resource access, and systemic barriers in finance, advocating for women’s empowerment and fostering a future where non-banking microfinance can serve underserved communities.
A comprehensive review of the non-bank microfinance sector in Pakistan took centre stage, providing a deeper understanding of the current landscape and opportunities for growth.
Throughout the day, the workshop featured moderated sessions that delved into various facets of microfinance. A dedicated session highlighted the intersection of women and digital financial services. Participants explored innovative approaches to empower women through technology and enhance their participation in the financial ecosystem. Recognizing the importance of amplifying the voices of women in the financial sector, the workshop featured discussions on understanding and addressing the unique needs and perspectives of female customers.
Fauzia Viqar, Federal Ombudsperson for protection against harrasment of women at workplace concluded the first day of workshop by applauding the commitment, insights, and unwavering dedication of all participants to advancing women in finance. She envisioned this workshop to serve as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue, action, and progress.
Together, we are not just shaping the narrative; we are rewriting the script for a more equitable and prosperous future in finance.
By championing thought leadership, innovation, and collaboration, we are not only breaking barriers but also paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient financial landscape, stated by viqar.
The “Women in Finance Thought Leaders Workshop” aims to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the development of actionable strategies to advance the role of women in the microfinance sector. Thorough consideration delved into the factors contributing to low penetration of microfinance. One of the key takeaways of the day was that the solution lies in synergizing the initiatives in way that stakeholders’ compliment and supplement the efforts.
