ISLAMABAD: Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Jamil Ahmed said during his address at the World Bank that Pakistan’s economic development is not possible without the active participation of women.
He said that the State Bank is taking several steps to financially empower women, of which the project “Banking for Equality” is particularly noteworthy. As a result of these steps, the number of active bank accounts of women across the country has reached 37 million.
According to the Governor, in the last five years, microfinance banks have increased lending to women by 200 per cent, while small business and agricultural loans to women have also doubled.
He further said that in the last three years, more than 14,600 women have got jobs in banks, which is a clear example of the growing presence of women in the financial sector. Jamil Ahmed said that promoting gender inclusion will not only strengthen the economy but also increase balance in society.
