UK Aid Sakchyam organised ‘Digital Mahila’

UK Aid Sakchyam –Access to Finance Programmme organised an event, Digital Mahila, to commemorate women’s at the Kathmandu University School of Management. The event was jointly organised by Sakchyam and Microsoft Innovation Centre (MIC) Nepal. Dr Gail Marzetti, Head of DFID Nepal was the keynote speaker. She spoke about harnessing the opportunities offered by the new digital landscape in Nepal and applauded the steps taken by financial institutions in providing technology driven solutions to the rural population of Nepal – especially women. “ICT can increase women’s access to employment opportunities in the IT sector, new markets through e-commerce, distant learning programs and mobile money. In short, it brings them closer to the formal sector where opportunities are greater, wages are higher and there is more social protection. There are also many other ways we can empower women through technology- it can start in a bank, a microfinance centre, or in a farmer’s field. By giving women the tools and training they need, they can take this new knowledge and increase the opportunities available to them and their families,” said Dr Marzetti. The event also saw three women speak about their experience in using technology. Amita BK, an agent with Chhimek Laghubitta Bikas Bank from Nepalgunj, shared about how she uses a tablet to conduct centre meetings and how it has helped her boost her self-confidence. “For a 7th standard graduate like me, being a Digital Mahila has been life changing,” Amita said. The project is deploying 104 women chosen among the members of Chhimek to become agents of the banks.