Islamabad: Mobilink Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and financial inclusion by securing an impressive score of 82.7 on the State Bank of Pakistan’s Women Friendliness Grid. This achievement marks a significant improvement from last year’s score of 71.79, underscoring the Bank’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for women borrowers and entrepreneurs, particularly in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
The Women Friendliness Grid is a key benchmark used by SBP to assess the accessibility and inclusivity of financial services for women in Pakistan. Mobilink Bank’s substantial progress on this front is the result of innovative programs and strategic partnerships that aim to empower women across the country.
One of the Bank’s flagship initiatives is its Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program, through which over 20,000 women have been trained nationwide. In partnership with Care Pakistan, an additional 1,500 women were upskilled in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The Bank’s Bint-e-Hawwa program has also seen a significant increase in lending to women, disbursing PKR 6.96 billion in 2022 and over PKR 10.6 billion in 2023 — a remarkable 50% growth.
Commenting on the achievement, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Interim CEO of Mobilink Bank, stated: “Achieving an 82.7 score on the Women Friendliness Grid is a testament to our commitment to financial inclusivity and innovation. This milestone reflects our dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs, driving digital inclusion, and embedding sustainability into our operations. We will continue to focus on creating meaningful opportunities that foster gender equality and environmental responsibility.”
Mobilink Bank’s commitment to women’s empowerment is reflected not only in its lending practices but also in its internal policies. MSME lending now represents 40% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio, valued at PKR 24.34 billion, demonstrating its focus on improving opportunities for women-led businesses. Furthermore, 33% of the Bank’s leadership roles are held by women, and initiatives such as enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies, childcare support, and transport allowances further underscore the Bank’s dedication to gender inclusivity.
The launch of the MobilinkHer Women Returnship Program and initiatives aimed at increasing female hiring have also had a positive impact. Women now make up 16% of the Bank’s workforce, both in the field and at the Head Office, reflecting a 42% year-on-year increase from 2020 to 2024.
Mobilink Bank’s efforts extend to the agriculture sector, with 44% of its loan portfolio allocated to agricultural financing. Of this, 25% is directed towards women-owned agri-businesses, highlighting the Bank’s role in supporting women farmers and contributing to the broader economy.
As part of the VEON Group, a global digital operator serving nearly 160 million customers across six dynamic markets, Mobilink Bank is well-positioned to continue driving financial inclusion and gender equality in Pakistan.
About Mobilink Bank
Mobilink Bank, a subsidiary of VEON Group, provides comprehensive financial services with a focus on digital inclusion, sustainability, and empowering underrepresented segments, including women. Through its innovative programs and strategic collaborations, the Bank remains at the forefront of promoting gender equality in Pakistan’s financial landscape.
