Serena Cavicchi(R), Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank and Task Team Lead for the GROW Project in Uganda, emphasized the economic case for investing in women The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with the Uganda Bankers’ Association (UBA) and aBi Finance, recently successfully hosted the 3rd Edition of the Women in Banking and Finance Conference at Mestil Hotel, Kampala under the theme:“Give to Gain: Investing in Women, Transforming Finance.”The high-level conference brought together leaders from across the financial sector, policymakers, development partners, and industry professionals to explore how intentional investment in women can accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen leadership pipelines, and transform financial systems.The conference was officially opened by the Guest of Honour, Ms. Serena Cavicchi, Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank and Task Team Lead for the GROW Project in Uganda, who emphasized the economic case for investing in women:“Women-led businesses are good business and not a risk. Women are good borrowers and good leaders.”Her remarks underscored the importance of positioning women not as beneficiaries, but as key drivers of economic transformation.In her welcome address, UIBFS CEO, Mrs. Goretti Masadde, highlighted the role of partnerships in advancing gender inclusion within the financial sector:“When we intentionally invest in women, we strengthen institutions, deepen leadership pipelines, and build a more resilient financial sector. At UIBFS, we believe that progress is achieved through partnerships.”The event attracted policymakers, development partners, and industry professionalsThe conference featured a dynamic program of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and a landmark milestone — the launch of the Transformational Hub, aimed at fostering mentorship, leadership development, and career progression for women in the sector.Throughout the day, participants engaged in insightful discussions across three thematic panels focusing on:Women on boards and gender-responsive governanceLeadership and career advancement in banking and financeWomen’s leadership in community and financial inclusion effortsDelivering a keynote presentation, Rtn. Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, Rotary District Governor 9214, called for a shift in strategy toward intentional inclusion:“We are not asking for charity or special favours. We are asking for intentionality. Success is not about titles — it is about the influence and impact you create.”Similarly, Ms. Grace Muliisa, Vice Chairperson UBA and Managing Director of EcoBank, reinforced the broader societal role of women leaders:“When women rise, communities rise with them. True leadership is about creating space for others to thrive.”The conference also reinforced the growing consensus that gender equity is not just a social imperative, but a strong business case, with evidence showing that diverse leadership contributes to stronger institutional performance and innovation.The conference featured three high-impact panel discussions, each bringing together distinguished industry leaders to explore critical issues shaping women’s participation in finance:Panel 1: Give-to-Gain — Women on BoardsModerated by Mr. Saul Sseremba, this panel examined how women can influence governance and institutional transformation at board level. Key contributors included:Ms. Annette Mbabazi Rumanyika Mulira (MTN Mobile Money) — Sponsorship over mentorship and championing the next generationMs. Monica Sanyu (UGAFODE / MP3 TalentSync) — Driving gender-responsive governanceMs. Catherine Poran (Stanbic Business Incubator) — Breaking boardroom barriersMs. Janet Navvuga Bugembe (Journey to the Boardroom) — Transitioning from executive to board leadershipPanel 2: Give-to-Gain — Women in Banking and FinanceModerated by Florence Qitui (Lady Q), this session focused on career growth, financing, and leadership:Ms. Martha Bisamaza (MTN MoMo) — Mentorship and sponsorship as strategic investmentsMs. Ann Marie Mwaka Sabano (aBi Finance) — Women leading sustainable and green finance initiativesMrs. Patricia Amito Lutwama (UBA) — Women empowerment and the WEFI CodeMr. Joseph Kiwanuka (Centenary Bank) — The business case for gender equity (ROI)Panel 3: Give-to-Gain — Women Leadership in the CommunityModerated by Ibrahim Gava Kalule, this discussion examined the broader impact of women leaders beyond the workplace:Mrs. Goretti Masadde (UIBFS) — Leading through change and innovationMs. Mercy Sande Ainomugisha (VisionFund) — Financial inclusion as community investmentHon. Amelia Kyambadde — Advocacy, lobbying, and leadership influenceMs. Claire Tumwesigye (Equity Bank) — Career navigation in banking and financeThe event was supported by key industry partners and sponsors including the Uganda Bankers Association, aBi Finance, Bank of Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Bank of Baroda, MTN MoMo, Equity Bank, Cairo Bank, UGAFODE, Opportunity Bank, Centenary Bank, Pearl Bank, United Bank for Africa and I&M Bank, among others, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing gender inclusion in Uganda’s financial ecosystem.As the conference concluded, participants committed to actionable steps to promote mentorship, sponsorship, inclusive leadership, and increased investment in women across the sector. The post World Bank Chief Roots For Women-Led Businesses, Says Women Are “Good Borrowers & Leaders” appeared first on Business Focus.