KARACHI: UN Women Pakistan, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and partner UN agencies, marked the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a high-level event in Karachi on the theme Financial and Digital Inclusion as a Pathway to Safer Economies. It emphasised the urgency of strengthening women’s access to safe digital finance and technology-enabled empowerment.
Speaking on behalf of the financial sector, Deputy Governor SBP Saleem Ullah emphasised that digital payments and financial services can transform women’s lives only when trust and security are guaranteed. He reiterated the State Bank’s commitment to promoting safe, inclusive and gender-responsive financial systems that strengthen women’s participation in Pakistan’s digital economy.
As guest of honour, Chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Shamshad Akhtar highlighted the need for women’s increased representation across financial markets and institutions, noting that Pakistan’s economic progress becomes stronger and more sustainable when women’s financial voices are enabled and protected.
UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Hania Aamir called for reshaping online behaviour, challenging harmful norms, so women can work, learn and express themselves without fear, adding that empowerment must be matched with safety -- both online and offline.
The event brought together senior government representatives, financial and corporate sector leaders, women entrepreneurs, UN officials, civil society partners and youth advocates, reaffirming a shared commitment to expanding inclusive digital and financial ecosystems for women and girls.
Delivering welcome remarks, UN Women Regional Director Christine Arab said, “Financial and digital access are fundamental rights. When we create systems that protect women’s privacy, safety and economic agency, we not only strengthen families, we strengthen economies. Today we reaffirm our collective responsibility to make digital and financial spaces safer, fairer and more equitable for women and girls.”
In closing, Country Representative UN Women Pakistan Jamshed Kazi, emphasised the importance of coordinated action to embed safety into every financial platform, digital service and government system, and that collective efforts across government, financial institutions, technology sectors, civil society and communities can ensure women engage in the digital world with confidence and dignity.
