Events Opportunity EduFinance Webinar - Gender Equity in Education Finance: Business for Good
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Globally, 122 million girls remain out of school, and women constitute nearly two-thirds of the 763 million adults lacking basic literacy skills. Despite these statistics, women dominate the teaching profession, making up 94% of the pre-primary teaching force. However, their numbers dwindle at higher educational levels and in management positions.
While there are many pathways to supporting gender equity in education, a gender-equitable approach to education financing can help mitigate some of these challenges. Opportunity EduFinance identifies a significant market opportunity in non-state education, estimated at US$ 36 billion, where women and girls represent a substantial portion. The $1.7 trillion financing gap for female, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), coupled with the evidence showing that women borrowers are less likely to default and women leaders are able to generate better business performance, presents a unique opportunity for financial institutions to consider gender equity in education finance and tap into a new market.
In this panel discussion, we will meet with experts and financial institutions that have successfully implemented sustainable gender-inclusive practices to explore:
- The business case for gender equity in education financing – strategies and pathways to tapping the underserved market.
- The impact case for gender equity in education financing – how to ensure the products, processes and services support girls and women in education.
- The challenges and opportunities in tapping into this market.
Date and Time: Wednesday, Aug 21st 2024, 13:00 - 14:00 GMT
Our panel will be moderated by Deborah Foy, Executive Director of Opportunity International Global! Deborah has worked for Opportunity International for the past 22 years and is currently the Executive Director of Opportunity International Inc. Deborah facilitates collaboration between key global offices and supports the leadership team of Opportunity International to continually improve our ability to serve clients and impact lives, both today and into the future.
Meet our Panellists:
- John Patrick - Senior Manager, Branch Banking & Partnerships, Sidian Bank, Kenya
John is an accomplished career banker with over 20 years of extensive experience in the banking sector. Currently serving as the Senior Manager of Branch Banking & Partnerships, he has a proven track record in developing and managing successful banking operations and partnerships, with a particular focus on supporting gender and education finance initiatives. John holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a specialization in Marketing from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). His academic foundation, coupled with his professional qualifications as a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), has equipped him with a robust understanding of financial management and strategic planning. Throughout his illustrious career, John has held various significant positions at renowned financial institutions, where he contributed to their growth and operational success.
John is deeply committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and education through his involvement in programs by the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA). These initiatives aim to enhance access to finance for women-led businesses and promote educational opportunities for underrepresented groups. In addition to his banking prowess, John is a dedicated advocate for gender equality and education finance, working to create opportunities for underrepresented groups to access financial resources. He is also a committed WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Champion, advocating for sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation services. His commitment to social responsibility is further demonstrated through his role as a Pension Trustee, ensuring the financial security and well-being of employees in retirement.
- Kamran Azim - CEO, Taleem Finance, Pakistan
Mr. Kamran Azim is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) with almost 30 years of diversified and multi-sectoral experience ranging from 10 years of advisory & assurance work in KPMG Pakistan to being the Financial Controller of a multinational oil marketing company Total Parco Pakistan for 5 years. He then switched to the development sector and after heading the business of a leading Microfinance Institution, Kashf Foundation for almost 15 years, he joined the first dedicated Education Finance NBFC in Pakistan, Taleem Finance Company Ltd (Funded by GMC & Insitor) as its Pioneer CEO in August 2019.
He is well regarded for his contributions in various sectoral dialogues of senior executives and practitioners on best corporate governance practices, effective internal controls as well as strategic changes specially for the Micro and SME sectors in Pakistan. He has also been a keynote speaker at major national and international events in the development sector.
Mr. Azim has attended advanced leadership trainings at the Harvard Business School, Wharton University and Oxford University. In addition to being a visiting faculty for Strategic Business Management at leading Institutes for over 20 years he has also been a trainer in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), Directors training programs. As a former member of the Civil Society Organizations group of the World Bank/IMF, he represented the Pakistani civil society in the partnership for change initiative in Oslo, Norway.
He has a strong passion for the development sector and has dedicated the last two decades in working with marginalized communities including the affordable education eco system for providing them access to impactful financial and non-financial services. Mr Azim was awarded the first ever, Professional Excellence Award for the Best Business Leader category, by ICAP’s Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee in 2023 for his contributions in the fields of finance and social development.
- Adela Sagastume - Fundación Génesis Empresarial, Guatemala
Adela Sagastume is a distinguished professional with over 27 years of extensive experience in microfinance for social development. Currently serving at Fundación Génesis Empresarial in Guatemala, Adela has played a pivotal role in achieving and maintaining several prestigious accolades over the past seven years. These accolades include the Maximum Rating for Social Excellence with 5 MicroRate Stars, the Highest Alpha Plus Institutional Excellence Rating from MicroRate, the Client Protection Certification, and the Truelift Certification at the Leader Level for poverty reduction management. Her expertise extends beyond microfinance, encompassing banking, finance, and entrepreneurship in technological areas.
Adela holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialty in Arts of Finance from Preston University, USA, and a Bachelor’s degree from the same institution. Additionally, she has completed communication studies at Francisco Marroquín University in Guatemala. Her robust academic background, combined with her extensive professional experience, has equipped her with a profound understanding of financial management and strategic planning.
Throughout her illustrious career, Adela has launched and managed various departments within Fundación Génesis Empresarial, including Social and Environmental Development, Marketing, Customer Service, and Public Relations. Her dedication to social excellence and gender-inclusive practices has made significant contributions to the institution's growth and operational success. Adela is a passionate advocate for gender equality in financial services, working tirelessly to promote inclusive practices and create opportunities for underrepresented groups to access financial resources.
You're invited to join our webinar! We welcome financial institutions, funders, investors, and other stakeholders interested in gender-lens financial services to join the conversation and learn more about gender-inclusive practices. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with experts and peers in the field!