Karachi: UN Women Pakistan, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and other UN agencies, hosted a high-level event focusing on financial and digital inclusion as a pathway to a safe economy.
The event coincided with the global 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, emphasizing the urgent need to empower women through secure financial and digital systems.
Deputy Governor of the State Bank, Saleem Ullah, highlighted in his address that digital payments and financial services can truly transform women’s lives only when trust and protection are guaranteed.
He stressed that promoting a safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive financial system is a top priority for the State Bank to enhance women’s participation in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, also spoke at the event, noting that increasing women’s participation in financial markets and institutions not only creates opportunities for women but also strengthens and sustains the country’s economic growth.
UN Goodwill Ambassador Hania Amir underlined the importance of fostering positive online behavior and challenging harmful norms, ensuring that women can pursue education, work, and free expression without fear. She emphasized that safety is essential alongside empowerment, both online and offline.
The event was attended by senior government officials, leaders from the financial and corporate sectors, women entrepreneurs, UN personnel, civil society partners, and youth advocates, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to expanding inclusive and safe digital and financial ecosystems for women and girls.
In her welcome remarks, UN Women Pakistan Regional Director Christine Arab said that financial and digital access is a fundamental right for women.
She added that creating strong systems to ensure women’s privacy, protection, and economic autonomy strengthens not only families but also the broader economy. “We reaffirm today that it is our collective responsibility to make digital and financial spaces safe, fair, and equitable for women and girls,” she said.
Closing the event, Jamshed Qazi, UN Women Pakistan’s state representative, emphasized that protective measures must be integrated into all financial platforms, digital services, and government systems.
He noted that safe and trusted digital inclusion for women can only be achieved through the combined efforts of the government, financial institutions, the tech sector, civil society, and communities.
The event concluded with participants pledging to promote safe digital spaces for women and girls across Pakistan, signing the “Digital Pledge Wall” as a symbol of their commitment.
