The State Bank of Pakistan’s Banking Services Corporation (SBP BSC) and UN Women Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen women’s economic empowerment through financial inclusion, literacy, and access to finance.
The MoU was formalised in Karachi at a signing ceremony attended by SBP BSC Managing Director Maraj Mahmood and UN Women Pakistan Country Representative Jamshed Kazi. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to removing structural barriers to women’s participation in the financial sector and promoting innovative solutions for inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Kazi stressed that inclusive financial systems are vital to advancing gender equality and building women’s resilience. He added that the partnership would help women access financial services and contribute more effectively to sustainable development.
Mahmood highlighted SBP’s vision to expand financial literacy, especially among underserved communities. He noted that the collaboration reflects the central bank’s commitment to supporting women’s role in Pakistan’s economic progress.
The partnership outlines areas of cooperation, including seminars, awareness campaigns, and research to address challenges faced by women in accessing finance. It also aims to expand digital banking services in remote and underserved regions, ensuring that women have greater opportunities to participate in the formal economy.
While the MoU does not carry legally binding obligations, it provides a strong framework for long-term cooperation by leveraging institutional expertise, networks, and resources. The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national commitments to gender equality and UN Women’s broader agenda of empowering women under the Beijing+30 review process.
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