1. This International Women’s Day, I pledge…
To stress the importance of women who are already well-established in their careers to come together to build more opportunities for others. Pakistan has undergone rapid changes during recent years, leading to women being more aware, focused, and having greater prospects when compared to a few years back. On this women’s day, I would like to ensure that future women do not go through the same struggles we had to go through in our initial professional years and for this, I pledge to create a comfortable and nurturing professional environment for all where everyone thrives equally.

2. Across the organizational landscape, I want to see more female representation…
In Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Personally, I believe that we have some brilliant minds in (STEM) fields, who can come forward for the growth and sustainable development of Pakistan. Women should pursue and be allowed to work on something they are passionate about. I think that celebrating diversity in the workplace, valuing differences, and incorporating them into business strategies is a formula of success for any organization. I am proud to say that MMBL has constantly bolstered this practice through initiatives both within and beyond the organization.

3. The one stereotype about women that should be busted this year is…
That they demand more than they deliver and that their output is compromised by various factors. Through my time with MMBL, I have learned that this myth is far from reality. Our female borrowers have often been the best at returning their loans timely, and in a more systematic manner. Additionally, our female borrowers are brilliant managers and have keen insight into business planning and development.

Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd is promoting gender equality and women empowerment through tailor-made products and programs to strengthen the economic inclusion of women across all Pakistan.

4. My organization is promoting gender equality and women empowerment…
Through tailor-made products and programs to strengthen the economic inclusion of women across all Pakistan. Through our Bint-e-Hawwa loan, we have encouraged female entrepreneurs to foster financial inclusion, and as of date, we have more than 3000 active accounts. Similarly, our Women Inspirational Network (WIN) aimed at uplifting women entrepreneurs through partnerships and skill development has also been a crucial element during our journey towards women empowerment. In 2021, we saw that under this program, disbursement ratios to women grew by 25% YoY and the overall active women borrower ratio grew by 21.17% YoY. Furthermore, over 400 women were uplifted through rigorous capacity building programs nationwide, and more than 100 women urban startups were upskilled in design thinking through key partnerships as well as industry linkages.

5. I believe women can fight gender inequality at their workplaces…
By supporting one another through thick and thin and going beyond the call of duty to support women peers. Banding together to initiate concentrated efforts, workshops, and mentor programs can help groom younger colleagues and new female entrants in the corporate sector. This can also play a vital role in advocating gender equality for not just organizations, but holistically for the entire country.

6. As for men, they can help reduce gender bias at home and work…
By providing a safe, secure, and free environment for women to express themselves and grow. Significant efforts need to be made so that we can break barriers and change stereotypical mindsets. Men need to start sharing roles at home and also play their part in caretaking responsibilities. A home, society, and a nation can only progress and undertake sustainable growth if cultural and structural norms are challenged and changed in parallel.

7. My message to young aspiring women looking to start a career in 2022 is…
To young women across Pakistan, I would say that venture out and try to explore and gain your own experiences. Try to break barriers you have set for yourself and the biases that society has held for you. Be more proactive at grasping opportunities and learning. Upskill yourself in this digital and tech-savvy world. Take an active interest in aiming for your dreams and show greater ambition to pave your way towards them. Everything else follows.