LAHORE: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), in collaboration with HomeNet Pakistan (HNP), organised an awareness and financial inclusion session for women home-based workers and micro-entrepreneurs to enhance their access to financial services and banking products.
The session was held at the Head Office of HomeNet Pakistan under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the SBP and HNP. Around 30 women micro-entrepreneurs from Lahore attended the event along with representatives of the SBP, Faysal Islamic Bank and Bank Alfalah.
Speaking on the occasion, HomeNet Pakistan Executive Director Ume Laila Azhar welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of financial inclusion in promoting women’s economic empowerment and strengthening women-led enterprises.
The SBP delegation comprised Deputy Chief Omer Makhdoom and Assistant Directors Qurat-ul-Ain and Muhammad Talha from the Financial Inclusion Department.
Representatives of partner banks included SME Unit Head Asim Jamal and Regional Manager Wasim Sarwar from the Agriculture and SME Department of Faysal Islamic Bank, while Shahzeb Ali Khan, Faisal Ali Amjad, Muqadas Wakeel Butt and Awais Ahsan Cheema represented Bank Alfalah.
During the session, officials of the participating banks delivered presentations on various financial products and services designed to support women entrepreneurs. The banks also facilitated the registration of participants for different banking products and services to help them benefit from formal financial opportunities.
The session provided an interactive platform for participants to discuss their concerns and challenges related to banking and financial services. Representatives of the SBP and partner banks responded to the queries and guided the participants on available financial solutions and opportunities.
The speakers reiterated their commitment to promoting financial inclusion, supporting women-led enterprises and creating an enabling environment for home-based workers and micro-entrepreneurs across the country.
HomeNet Pakistan is a network of organisations working to empower home-based workers, particularly women, through advocacy, capacity building, social protection and economic empowerment initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods and ensuring recognition of their contribution to the national economy.
