Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Redoy Hassib-Al-Hassan Rizve, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Intergovernmental Organization, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Aashna Shah, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Intergovernmental Organization, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Aashna Shah, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Format
Theater
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The theater-style room layout and 60-minute duration create an engaging space for dynamic discussions while ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience. This setup allows participants to focus on expert insights, case studies, and interactive dialogue without distractions. The structured format ensures a smooth flow of presentations, followed by a moderated discussion that encourages audience participation. The 60-minute duration is ideal for delivering key takeaways efficiently while allowing time for meaningful exchanges between speakers and attendees. Given the session’s focus on digital innovation and mobile banking, this format supports a mix of expert-led insights and audience engagement, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard. The layout also facilitates networking opportunities, helping participants connect with experts, policymakers, and practitioners to explore potential collaborations beyond the session.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The theater-style room layout and 60-minute duration create an engaging space for dynamic discussions while ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience. This setup allows participants to focus on expert insights, case studies, and interactive dialogue without distractions. The structured format ensures a smooth flow of presentations, followed by a moderated discussion that encourages audience participation. The 60-minute duration is ideal for delivering key takeaways efficiently while allowing time for meaningful exchanges between speakers and attendees. Given the session’s focus on digital innovation and mobile banking, this format supports a mix of expert-led insights and audience engagement, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard. The layout also facilitates networking opportunities, helping participants connect with experts, policymakers, and practitioners to explore potential collaborations beyond the session.
Policy Question(s)
1. How can digital innovation and mobile banking be scaled sustainably in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to enhance women’s financial inclusion while addressing challenges like digital literacy and cybersecurity?
2. What policies and regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure that mobile banking services remain accessible, affordable, and secure for women, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities?
3. How can governments, financial institutions, and technology providers collaborate to create inclusive digital financial ecosystems that empower women economically and contribute to long-term social and economic development in LDCs?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how digital innovation and mobile banking can empower women in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by increasing financial access and independence. Through the lens of Grameen Bank’s success, they will explore proven strategies that have transformed lives and reduced poverty. The session will provide insights into sustainable and inclusive fintech solutions, addressing challenges such as digital literacy and security.
Attendees will hear diverse perspectives from women entrepreneurs, financial experts, and policymakers, offering a well-rounded discussion on the impact of mobile banking. They will leave with practical knowledge on scaling similar initiatives, leveraging technology for social change, and creating more inclusive financial ecosystems. This session will equip participants with tools and ideas to support digital financial inclusion, ensuring that technological advancements translate into meaningful opportunities for women in LDCs.
SDGs
Description:
In many Least Developed Countries (LDCs), limited access to financial services remains a significant barrier to women’s economic independence. This session will explore how digital innovation and mobile banking are reshaping financial inclusion through internet, offering women greater control over their economic futures. It will highlight real-world examples of sustainable and responsible innovation, with a focus on the success story of Grameen Bank, which pioneered microcredit and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its impact on poverty reduction and women's empowerment. Bringing together experts, policymakers, fintech innovators, and grassroots leaders, the discussion will examine best practices in mobile banking and digital financial tools that have expanded opportunities for women. The session will delve into case studies of inclusive fintech solutions, explore challenges such as digital literacy and cybersecurity, and propose strategies for scaling similar models in other LDCs. To enrich the conversation, the session will feature diverse perspectives, including voices from women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and digital finance experts who have witnessed the transformation firsthand. Participants will gain insights into how responsible digital innovations can break economic barriers and create lasting social change. Through interactive discussions and audience engagement, this session aims to inspire actionable solutions that drive equitable access to financial resources for women in LDCs.
In many Least Developed Countries (LDCs), limited access to financial services remains a significant barrier to women’s economic independence. This session will explore how digital innovation and mobile banking are reshaping financial inclusion through internet, offering women greater control over their economic futures. It will highlight real-world examples of sustainable and responsible innovation, with a focus on the success story of Grameen Bank, which pioneered microcredit and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its impact on poverty reduction and women's empowerment. Bringing together experts, policymakers, fintech innovators, and grassroots leaders, the discussion will examine best practices in mobile banking and digital financial tools that have expanded opportunities for women. The session will delve into case studies of inclusive fintech solutions, explore challenges such as digital literacy and cybersecurity, and propose strategies for scaling similar models in other LDCs. To enrich the conversation, the session will feature diverse perspectives, including voices from women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and digital finance experts who have witnessed the transformation firsthand. Participants will gain insights into how responsible digital innovations can break economic barriers and create lasting social change. Through interactive discussions and audience engagement, this session aims to inspire actionable solutions that drive equitable access to financial resources for women in LDCs.
Expected Outcomes
This session aims to generate actionable insights on expanding digital financial inclusion for women in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Expected outcomes include increased awareness of successful models like Grameen Bank and practical strategies for scaling similar innovations. Participants will leave with policy recommendations and best practices for enhancing mobile banking access while addressing barriers such as digital literacy and security.
Specific outputs may include a summary report highlighting key discussions and recommendations, potential collaborations between stakeholders, and a follow-up dialogue to track progress. The session’s findings could also contribute to policy discussions at national and international levels, guiding future digital finance initiatives aimed at empowering women in LDCs.
Hybrid Format: To facilitate interaction between onsite and online participants, I will ensure equal engagement by using the IGF-provided tools and a dedicated online moderator. The session will include live polls, Q&A, and breakout rooms mixing both groups. Tools like Slido or Mentimeter will gather real-time input, displayed for all. Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams will enable online attendees to participate actively. Clear instructions and technical support will ensure inclusivity, creating a seamless and interactive experience for everyone. This approach ensures all participants feel valued and engaged.