chatter matter
For many women, earning money is only one part of the financial equation. Knowing what to do with it - whether to save, invest or plan for the future - can be a different matter altogether. Financial decisions are still often left to fathers, husbands or other family members, while conversations around investing and wealth-building remain limited.
Encouraging women to better understand their financial options was the focus of a recent gathering at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi.
The ‘She Invests: Smart Woman Money’ Master class, held at the Dr Shamshad Akhtar Auditorium, was organised by PSX and 786 Investments Ltd. in collaboration with Ladiesfund. The event also marked the launch of the PSX She Invests financial literacy series for women and the introduction of Ladiesfund Investments, a women-focused investment initiative of 786 Investments Ltd.
Farrukh H. Sabzwari, Managing Director & CEO of Pakistan Stock Exchange, said, “It was wonderful to see the auditorium filled with women ready to take ownership of their financial futures. With the launch of the ‘She Invests Series’, we are making a clear commitment: women remain underrepresented as investors. At PSX, we believe they should be active participants in Pakistan’s capital markets. Through this, we want to make investing more accessible and understandable, so more women can move from saving to investing and building lasting wealth. This is the first of many sessions we will take to women’s chambers of commerce, academic institutions and women-led organisations across the country.”
Tara Uzra Dawood, CEO, 786 Investments Ltd. and Ladiesfund Investments, said, “For generations, women have been taught how to earn, save and spend money but not necessarily how to own it, invest it and make it grow. We want to change that by moving women from financial dependence to ownership. Whether you are starting with PKR 1,000 or managing millions, the most important investment you can make is in yourself and then in making your money work for you.”
A fireside conversation with former UBL Bank President Sima Kamil on ‘How to Build Wealth During the Career Trajectory’ focused on the importance of starting early. The event also addressed barriers that can discourage women from investing, including the perception that financial markets are complicated and uncertainty about whom to trust.
Sharmeen Ahmed of Topline Securities encouraged participants to take the practical first step of opening a trading account. “The capital market can feel intimidating when you have never entered it but opening a trading account is actually a very simple first step. You do not need to be a financial expert to become an investor. What you need is the willingness to start, learn and stay invested. We want women to know that the Stock Exchange is not a men’s club, there is a place here for them,” she elucidated.
Interactive sessions covered investments, capital markets, money-market instruments and Shariah-compliant opportunities, while simplifying financial terminology for those new to investing. Discussions also touched on social expectations around money, delayed financial planning and the importance of having an individual financial plan.
Two initiatives under development were also discussed: a proposed gender-focused Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), considering companies committed to women, gender inclusion and diversity and a proposed Green Gender Bond combining green finance, gender equality and Shariah-compliant investment principles.
Bringing together women from diverse professional backgrounds and representatives from the corporate and financial sectors, the event reinforced a simple message: financial security depends not only on what women earn but how they manage and grow it.
– You! desk
