Mobilink Bank, a leading digital microfinance bank in Pakistan, has partnered with Arid University to launch the country’s pioneering “Center of Excellence for Women”.
This initiative aims to advance financial education and empower women in rural areas.
This initiative marks Mobilink Bank as the exclusive financial partner for Arid Agriculture University’s outreach program, which extends its services to approximately 200 rural villages in the Potohar region.
The collaboration between Mobilink Bank and Arid University seeks to address the challenges faced by women farmers, who constitute a significant portion of Pakistan’s agricultural labor force. Despite their pivotal role, women in agriculture encounter obstacles in accessing financial services and technology. To bridge this gap, Mobilink Bank will provide tailored financial services and support initiatives for financial literacy training, skills development, and capacity building for women.
Arid University in Rawlapindi is dedicated to cultivating top-tier agricultural scientists and uplifting the farming community through the exchange of impactful and proven ideas and experiences.
Support for rural farming communities and women farmers
Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer of Mobilink Bank, expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s agricultural sector and rural communities. “Currently, 40% of our borrowers are engaged in agriculture, highlighting our dedication to supporting those who form the backbone of rural communities,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program in promoting financial inclusion and empowering women across the nation. “With the launch of this center, we are expanding our reach and equipping more women, particularly women farmers, with the essential digital and financial tools they need to thrive in today’s challenging landscape.”
Mobilink Bank is part of the Netherlands-based VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets that are home to 7% of the world’s population.
Dr. Gulshan Irshad, Associate Professor at Arid Agriculture University, emphasized the significance of the partnership with Mobilink Bank in empowering rural communities. She stated that the joint awareness sessions conducted by the university and the bank play a crucial role in educating farmers, particularly women, on agricultural best practices and financial literacy.
Dr. Irshad expressed the university’s commitment to expanding this initiative to facilitate access to Mobilink Bank for agricultural universities across Pakistan. As Mobilink Bank continues to expand its outreach and impact, it remains steadfast in its mission to foster partnerships that promote digital and financial inclusion for women, particularly in rural areas.
Through initiatives like the “Center of Excellence for Women,” Mobilink Bank aims to empower women, bridge gender gaps, and drive economic growth in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.