Banking Leaders Rally for Gender Inclusion at Women in Finance Conference
The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with the Uganda Bankers’ Association (UBA) and aBi Finance, today hosted the 3rd Edition of the Women in Banking and Finance Conference at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, bringing together top industry leaders to champion gender inclusion in the financial sector. Held under the theme […] The post Banking Leaders Rally for Gender Inclusion at Women in Finance Conference appeared first on Daily Star.
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The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with the Uganda Bankers’ Association (UBA) and aBi Finance, today hosted the 3rd Edition of the Women in Banking and Finance Conference at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, bringing together top industry leaders to champion gender inclusion in the financial sector.
Held under the theme “Give to Gain: Investing in Women, Transforming Finance,” the high-level gathering attracted policymakers, development partners, and financial professionals, all united by a common goal — advancing women’s participation and leadership in finance.
The conference was officially opened by Serena Cavicchi, Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank and Task Team Lead for the GROW Project in Uganda. She emphasized the strong economic case for empowering women, noting that women-led enterprises are not only viable but critical to sustainable growth.
“Women-led businesses are good business and not a risk. Women are good borrowers and good leaders,” Cavicchi said.
Her remarks reinforced a growing shift in perspective from viewing women as beneficiaries to recognizing them as central drivers of economic transformation.
In her welcome address, UIBFS Chief Executive Officer Goretti Masadde highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing gender inclusion across the sector.
“When we intentionally invest in women, we strengthen institutions, deepen leadership pipelines, and build a more resilient financial sector. At UIBFS, we believe that progress is achieved through partnerships,” she said.
A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the Transformational Hub, a new initiative designed to support mentorship, leadership development, and career advancement for women in banking and finance.
Participants engaged in a series of panel discussions focusing on critical issues, including women’s representation on boards, gender-responsive governance, leadership progression, and the role of women in advancing financial inclusion at the community level.
Delivering a keynote address, Rotary District Governor 9214, Rtn. Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, called for deliberate efforts to accelerate inclusion.
“We are not asking for charity or special favours. We are asking for intentionality. Success is not about titles — it is about the influence and impact you create,” she said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Grace Muliisa, Vice Chairperson of UBA and Managing Director of Ecobank Uganda, underscored the broader societal impact of women’s leadership.
“When women rise, communities rise with them. True leadership is about creating space for others to thrive,” she noted.
Speakers and panelists consistently emphasized that gender equity is not only a social imperative but also a sound business strategy, with growing evidence linking diverse leadership to stronger institutional performance, innovation, and resilience.
The conference closed with renewed calls for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change and unlock the full potential of women in Uganda’s financial sector.
The post Banking Leaders Rally for Gender Inclusion at Women in Finance Conference appeared first on Daily Star.
