Women in developing countries are empowered when included in Financial Inclusion.
This was highlighted by the co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates via her video message at the 2016 Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island yesterday.
She said this year marked a bigger year for the Alliance.
“Independence has given you now strong mandate to promote the regulations and policy that will make the economy more inclusive and more just,” she said.
Ms Gates said an economy that includes every one especially women.
“Women in the many developing countries that I have visited told me how much having control of their assets and earning has changed there life.
“It not only empowers themselves out of poverty, but benefits extend to their family and community and country.
“I have seen it for myself and its transformative, that’s why I’m passionate about reducing the gender gap in Financial Inclusion.
She added the Alliance is taking concrete steps in addressing the fact that too many women in too many countries have a much harder time in getting a bank account.
“I also applaud the Alliance members who are beginning to look at their financial data by gender,” Ms Gates said.
“This is an important way to understand where and why women are left behind and how to change that.
Addressing more than 500 delegates at the Forum, Ms Gates said there is a lot of work ahead but the reward is great for all.
“I am confident that the organisation assembled here are up to the challenge.”
edited by: farzana nisha
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