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Cultural issues have been identified as hurdles to ensuring gender equality despite having deliberate polices in place.
Access Bank Zambia Board Chairperson Anne Sampa observed that the cultural issues continues to be a huge impediment, despite government having deliberate policies to drive the equality agenda.
Speaking during the the W Initiative-Women’s Banking High Tea event in Lusaka on Wednesday, Sampa said there was need to change the narrative and demand what belongs to women.
“Despite the rise in the number of women daring to dream big and take on key leadership roles, only a percentage have thrived in these roles, not because of the lack of capacity, but more to do with the narrative which seemingly dictates that the women’s place is no where near the boardroom, ” she said.
Sampa further stated that the bank was empowering women through the various products and services, which was in line with governments agenda to increase access to affordable financial services.
Bank’s Managing Director Lishala Situmbeko said they are committed to women’s financial inclusion, growth and empowerment.
Situmbeko indicated that the bank had launched an initiative which affirms its dedication to accelerating growth for women through access to finance, networks, capacity building and markets.
He said the’ W initiative was not just another product for women as it offered an array of services crafted with the needs of women through various stages of their lives.
“We understand that our female clients needs go beyond finance and so over the years, we have endeavored to provide sustainable opportunities and platforms for women to access true growth, whether financial or other.
” As a gesture of our commitment to supporting women beyond their financial needs and aspirations, we have continued to support the University Teaching Hospital maternity ward with renovation works and provision of bedding, stationary, medical equipment and furniture,” Situmbeko said.
Today, he said they celebrate and acknowledge each and every woman’s barrier-breaking achievements, as they strive for equity.
Speaking at the same event, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Permanent Secretary Yvonne Mpundu called for collaboration to foster enterprise development in Zambia.
Mpundu urged women to take advantage of the financing opportunities under the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) to grow their businesses.
“I call upon as many individuals, institutions, organisations, and cooperating partners to come forward to discuss various ways in which the Ministry can collaborate with you to foster enterprise development in Zambia,” she said.
This year’s Women’s Day celebration are held under theme DigitALL : Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.”
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