The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan successfully conducted a two-day workshop titled “Women Leadership Workshop – Turning Vision into Lasting Impact” at its Karachi Campus on October 27–28, 2025. The initiative aimed to empower women professionals in the financial and banking sectors by equipping them with essential leadership tools, strategic insights, and the confidence to lead transformation within their organizations.
Facilitated by renowned trainer and leadership coach Ms. Rahila Ashraf, the workshop brought together participants from diverse institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), SBP-Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC), Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC), NIBAF, and various commercial banks. The session focused on enhancing leadership capabilities, fostering innovation, and strengthening the professional presence of women in key decision-making roles.
The program’s central theme—turning vision into lasting impact—resonated deeply with the participants, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, strategic communication, and adaptive leadership in achieving organizational success. Ms. Ashraf, who has extensive experience in leadership coaching and organizational development, guided participants through interactive sessions that combined practical exercises, group discussions, and reflective learning.
During the two-day training, participants explored various aspects of leadership including emotional intelligence, strategic visioning, conflict resolution, and team empowerment. The sessions also addressed challenges faced by women professionals in the corporate and financial sectors, providing strategies for overcoming workplace barriers and cultivating an inclusive leadership mindset. Ms. Ashraf encouraged participants to view leadership not merely as a position of authority but as a platform for influence and positive change.
One of the key highlights of the workshop was the focus on transformation through collaboration and empathy-driven leadership. Participants were urged to adopt an authentic leadership style that aligns personal values with organizational goals. The discussions further underscored how women leaders can leverage innovation and communication to foster more resilient and adaptive teams, especially in times of change and uncertainty.
The initiative is part of NIBAF’s broader commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and professional excellence within Pakistan’s financial ecosystem. By offering specialized programs like this, NIBAF continues to play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality and developing a new generation of empowered female leaders who can shape the future of banking and finance in Pakistan.
The workshop also provided a valuable networking opportunity, enabling participants from different organizations to share experiences, best practices, and leadership challenges. This exchange of perspectives created a collaborative environment that reinforced the value of mentorship, peer learning, and continuous professional development.
NIBAF’s leadership programs have increasingly focused on creating balanced and inclusive workplaces where women professionals can thrive, lead, and inspire others. The “Women Leadership Workshop” serves as a reflection of the institution’s vision to equip professionals—especially women—with the skills necessary to navigate evolving organizational landscapes and contribute to sustainable growth.
As Pakistan’s banking sector undergoes digital transformation and structural modernization, the inclusion of women leaders is becoming more critical than ever. Initiatives such as NIBAF’s leadership workshops bridge the gap between potential and performance, empowering women to become active contributors to strategic decision-making processes.
The event concluded with participants expressing appreciation for the engaging sessions and the actionable insights shared by Ms. Rahila Ashraf. Many highlighted the workshop’s role in reshaping their understanding of leadership, helping them build confidence, and fostering a sense of purpose-driven professionalism that extends beyond the workplace.
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