The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan successfully conducted a two-day training program on “Women in Leadership” from May 14 to 15, 2025. The initiative brought together emerging and established female professionals in the banking sector, aiming to inspire and equip them with strategies for leadership, professional growth, and empowerment within the financial services industry.
Led by Ms. Erum Saleem, a prominent advocate for workplace diversity and gender equality, the program served as a platform to foster meaningful conversations around the challenges and opportunities facing women in leadership roles, particularly in traditionally male-dominated sectors like banking and finance. The training featured two distinguished guest speakers: Ms. Saira Shahid Hussain, Chief Human Resources Officer at Allied Bank Limited (ABL), and Ms. Tehmina Khan, Head of Talent Acquisition at MCB Bank. Both women brought a wealth of experience, sharing personal insights and professional guidance drawn from their extensive careers in human resources and talent development.
The sessions focused on a range of pertinent topics, including leadership development, strategic career planning, overcoming workplace barriers, and building influence in high-stakes corporate environments. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own leadership journeys and identify tools to navigate the complexities of career advancement in the modern financial sector.
Ms. Saira Shahid Hussain discussed the evolving landscape of human resources and how organizations can create more inclusive policies that support women at all stages of their careers. She highlighted the need for systemic change, including mentorship opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and leadership pipelines tailored to support women in executive roles.
Ms. Tehmina Khan offered valuable insights on talent acquisition trends and the importance of building personal branding within the workplace. She emphasized that leadership is not confined to titles but is demonstrated through vision, decision-making, and the ability to inspire teams. Her session was especially well-received for its actionable advice on how women can position themselves for growth and leadership roles, even in competitive corporate cultures.
Throughout the training, participants engaged in group discussions, case studies, and interactive exercises designed to cultivate self-awareness and practical leadership skills. These sessions created a dynamic learning environment that encouraged open dialogue and peer-to-peer learning.
The program also addressed the broader need for gender diversity at the decision-making level across financial institutions. Speakers and participants alike acknowledged that while progress has been made in terms of representation, there remains a long road ahead in terms of equitable access to leadership opportunities. Initiatives such as this training are seen as vital steps in fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment in the banking sector.
By organizing the “Women in Leadership” program, NIBAF continues to play a significant role in shaping a more inclusive future for Pakistan’s financial industry. The organization has consistently shown its commitment to professional development, and this initiative stands out as a meaningful contribution to the national discourse on gender equality in the workplace.
As more institutions recognize the value of diverse leadership teams, NIBAF’s training underscores the importance of investing in the potential of women to lead and transform the financial landscape.