AFI/Palestine Monetary Authority training course explores how sex-disaggregated data can drive financial inclusion

On 6 and 7 August, AFI and the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) organized a training course on how to develop a financial sex-disaggregated data framework.

60 senior-level participants (40 women, 20 men) from PMA, banks, microfinance institutions, electronic payment companies and consulting firms attended the training, which featured presentations from PMA and AFI, as well as a case study from Bank of Zambia.

“Initiating the process of collecting and using sex-disaggregated data requires planning and time, but it represents a worthy investment,” said Audrey Hove, Head Policy Management in AFI. “By taking proactive steps to collect and use sex-disaggregated data, progress on closing the financial inclusion gender gap can be more accurately measured.​”

“In Palestine, women need tailored assistance to take advantage of financial inclusion services, especially digital financial services,” said Katia Mehanneche​, Regional Manager for the Arab region in AFI​. “This training represents a step toward reducing the gender gap in Palestine, and to ensuring that no woman is left behind.”

“PMA has taken a strategic decision to have women’s financial inclusion as the top priority, and is spearheading initiatives to empower women, driving financial inclusion and transforming access to resources and opportunities in Palestine” said Mohanad Salous, Chief of the Financial Inclusion Division in PMA.

AFI is currently assisting PMA to implement a gender inclusive finance roadmap, with funding support from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. PMA also recently benefited from the experience of the State Bank of Pakistan on how to implement successful gender equality programs.

You can learn more about PMA’s financial inclusion strategy and initiatives on their website.