Good News For Pakistan’s Women Bankers

SBP has directed banks to employ at least 20 percent of women by 2023.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir said on Monday that gender diversity is critical to economic development and the inclusion of women in the financial system.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, the SBP in collaboration with Bank Alfalah, Standard Chartered Bank, and UBL held an event titled “Asaan Digital Account: Breaking Barriers”.

According to Dr Baqir, the country has received over $3.5 billion via Roshan Digital Account in the last year and a half, which is more than foreign direct investment and loans from the International Monetary Fund.

The governor praised the contributions of women in various fields and said that empowering women is the key to socio-economic development in the country. According to him, gender gaps prevent women from enjoying the same opportunities, rights, and obligations as men in all walks of life. In spite of this, International Women’s Day urges us to reflect on systemic barriers that limit women in their pursuits. The need to reflect and renew the sense of ambition related to gender equality in financial services was emphasized.