ACCESS Bank Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion, urging bold and deliberate action to unlock opportunities for young women and girls countrywide.
He addressed the Young Women’s Economic Empowerment and Wealth Creation Conference, convened in collaboration with the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) under the theme ‘Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls.’
Access Bank Zambia Board Director, Mildred Kaunda, stressed the importance of transforming women’s economic empowerment dialogue into meaningful action.
Ms Kaunda noted that economic empowerment is not a privilege; it is a right. To speak meaningfully about justice and rights for women, young women must have access to capital, opportunities, and the tools they need to build sustainable wealth.
She outlined the Bank’s women’s banking proposition, the W-Initiative, which provides tailored financial solutions, mentorship, business support, and capacity-building opportunities designed to help women grow and scale their enterprises.
Ms Kaunda explained that as part of its commitment to making finance more accessible, the Bank offers reduced interest rates on loans for women-led businesses, ensuring that women entrepreneurs can access affordable capital to start, sustain, and expand their ventures.
She emphasized that access alone is not enough; capital must be affordable. When women secure affordable financing, they not only build businesses but also strengthen families, create employment, and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth.
Ms Kaunda added that beyond financing, the Bank continues to invest in initiatives that equip young women with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed, including financial literacy programmes, entrepreneurship training, and youth-focused initiatives such as the Early Savers Academy, which nurtures financial responsibility from an early age.
She praised Government and NGOCC for their continued leadership in championing women’s rights and creating platforms that amplify the voices and aspirations of women and girls.
Ms Kaunda highlighted that through initiatives such as the W-Initiative and its broader financial inclusion agenda, Access Bank Zambia positions itself as a key partner in enabling women and young entrepreneurs to unlock their full economic potential.
Ministry of Justice Director Governance and Planning, Elizabeth Silungwe, affirmed that government has placed young women and girls at the centre of economic transformation.
NGOCC Vice Board Chairperson Mwaka Mulenga applauded Access Bank for its efforts to uplift the lives of young women and girls.
This was contained in a statement issued by Access Bank Zambia Head of Corporate Communications, Alice Kalufyanya-Mwila.
