Kampala, Uganda – Housing Finance Bank stands tall in its commitment to gender equality, receiving prestigious accolades at the 2024 Empower Her Awards, hosted by Nation Media Group and KPMG. Under the overarching theme of “Achieving an Equal Future,” the event celebrated organizations dedicated to breaking barriers and fostering a more equitable society.
The bank’s exceptional dedication to advancing women’s representation in leadership positions earned it recognition in both the Empower Her Award and Woman of the Future categories. These awards underscore Housing Finance Bank’s proactive initiatives aimed at cultivating a balanced and inclusive work environment.
Ms. Peace Piwang, Chief Human Resource Officer at Housing Finance Bank, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, stating, “We are honored to be recognized for our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive. These awards validate our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within our organization.”
This latest recognition adds to Housing Finance Bank’s impressive track record in promoting gender equality. Having previously been awarded the Gold Award under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gender Equality Seal (GES) Programme, the bank continues to lead by example with women comprising 50% of leadership roles.
Mr. Micheal Mugabi, Managing Director at Housing Finance Bank, emphasized the importance of empowerment in driving organizational success. He commented, “Our achievements are intrinsically linked to the empowerment of our workforce. By championing gender equality initiatives, we not only strengthen our institution but also contribute to the socioeconomic progress of our communities.”
Mr. Mugabi highlighted the bank’s multifaceted approach to gender equality, including initiatives to provide women with access to affordable housing solutions and support for their entrepreneurial endeavors. He announced, “In addition to our innovative Zimba Mpola Mpola home loan solution tailored for women, we have partnered with the European Investment Bank to provide €50 million in affordable credit lines and technical assistance to women-owned businesses in Uganda.”
These efforts align with Housing Finance Bank’s overarching mission of enabling sustainable homeownership and financial independence, while also contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
In conclusion, Housing Finance Bank’s recognition at the Empower Her Awards underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality and empowerment, setting a commendable standard for the financial sector and beyond.