The Bank of Khyber (BoK), in collaboration with the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dir, organised a financial literacy session in Chakdara to improve women’s understanding of formal banking and expand their access to financial services. The session was designed to provide participants with practical information about banking facilities, financial matters and the formal financial system. The initiative forms part of efforts to improve financial inclusion among women, particularly those involved in entrepreneurship and business activities in areas where access to financial services can remain limited.
The session focused on helping women understand the role of formal banking channels and the range of services available to them. Participants were provided with information about different banking solutions and were encouraged to understand how formal financial services can support their personal and business requirements. Improving awareness of banking products and procedures is an important part of increasing participation in the formal financial system, particularly for women entrepreneurs who may require financing, account services and other banking facilities to establish or expand their businesses.
Women entrepreneurs attending the session were also briefed about financing facilities available for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the agriculture sector. The discussion provided information about business financing options that can help support entrepreneurial activities and agricultural ventures. Access to appropriate financing can be an important requirement for small businesses seeking to increase operations, purchase equipment, manage working capital or invest in expansion. Providing women with greater awareness of available financing channels can help them better understand the options offered through the formal banking sector.
The session also addressed challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in underserved areas when attempting to access financial services and business financing. Women operating businesses in such areas can face difficulties related to awareness, availability of financial services and access to suitable financing opportunities. By bringing information about banking services and financing facilities directly to participants, the initiative sought to address some of these awareness gaps and encourage greater engagement with formal financial institutions.
The Bank of Khyber said it would continue initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurship. The bank’s approach includes improving awareness of formal banking services and providing information that can help women entrepreneurs understand available financial solutions. Such programmes can also contribute to greater participation by women in the formal financial system by connecting them with information about banking channels, financing facilities and services relevant to their economic activities.
The collaboration with the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dir, also highlights the role of business organisations in supporting financial awareness among women entrepreneurs. Partnerships between financial institutions and representative business bodies can provide opportunities to reach communities and business owners who may have limited exposure to formal financial services. Sessions focused on financial literacy can help participants gain a clearer understanding of banking procedures and financing opportunities while also creating greater awareness of the financial tools available for business and agricultural activities.
The Bank of Khyber’s financial literacy initiative in Chakdara comes as financial inclusion remains an important area for Pakistan’s banking sector. Expanding awareness of formal financial services among women can support broader participation in economic activity and provide entrepreneurs with greater knowledge of available banking and financing options. Through continued financial literacy programmes and engagement with women entrepreneurs, the bank aims to support entrepreneurship, strengthen access to financial services and increase women’s participation in Pakistan’s formal financial system.
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