Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards
January 2025
Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards
Inspired by the SBP’s policy on Financial Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and its implementation by financial institutions, Determined Pakistan is pleased to announce holding of Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards to be held in January 2025 in Karachi
The objective of this initiative is to create awareness about the best DE&I practices of outstanding Banks/ DFIs/ MFBs as role model, inspire others, and accelerate inclusion progress through the promotion of their best practices.
Financial inclusion is of great importance for persons with disabilities (PWD), as it helps in their social, economic, political, and psychological empowerment.
As a potential stakeholder, the banking industry plays an important role in the implementation of the UNCRPD and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Banking industry participation has played a pivotal role in accelerating progress in Pakistan, whether it is financial inclusion, accessibility of the facilities & workplace, employment of persons with disabilities, capacity building, or any other measure that may be taken to empower individuals with disabilities.
The magnitude of our challenge is yet to be understood because of the absence of realistic statistics for PwDs.
State Bank of Pakistan's Comprehensive Policy for Financial Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has been instrumental in make banking easy and convenient for PwDs through supportive physical infrastructure, accessible products and services, assistive technologies, and supportive staff interactions.
Understanding Behind the Logo of Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards
The original Disability Pride flag was created in 2019 by writer Ann Magill, a physically disabled artist from the United States of America, who has cerebral palsy.
Flags can raise awareness and are a symbol of solidarity, pride, and acceptance.
Each color stripe has a meaning:
- Red - physical disabilities
- Gold - neurodiversity
- White - invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven't yet been diagnosed
- Blue - emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression
- Green - sensory disabilities, including deafness, blindness, lack of smell, lack of taste, audio processing disorder, and all other sensory disabilities
- Dark Blue - stability, integrity, trust, financial stability, and wealth
- Hand - as a symbol of inclusion and integration
- Leaves - depict growth
Hence, the logo reflects the financial inclusion and growth of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
AWARD CATEGORIES
☐ Accessible Infrastructure Excellence Award
☐ Bank with Most Inclusive Products Award
☐ Most Disability-Friendly Branch Network Award
☐ Best Inclusive Fintech Award
☐ Excellence in Employment of PWDs Award
☐ Excellence in Employment for Women with Disabilities Award
☐ Excellence in Financial Literacy for PWDs Award
☐ Disability Inclusion Training and Capacity Building Award
☐ Best in Accessible Website Design Award
☐ Best Accessible Documentation Award
Categories having less than 3 nominations shall automatically be dissolved and deferred for next year awards.
PPFA benefiting PWDs….
The Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards aims to play a transformative role in supporting persons with disabilities (PWDs) and fostering their inclusion in the financial ecosystem.
Mentioned Ways These Awards Can Directly or Indirectly Benefit PWDs:-
Amplifying Awareness:
PPFA spotlight the importance of financial inclusion for PWDs, raising awareness about the challenges they face and inspiring institutions to design more accessible and inclusive services. -
Encouraging Inclusive Innovation:
By recognizing institutions that create accessible financial solutions, the awards motivate more companies to develop innovative products tailored to the needs of PWDs, such as:- Accessible digital banking platforms
- Financial literacy programs
- Inclusive credit and loan schemes
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Promoting Equal Opportunities:
Through their focus, PPFA shall create an environment where PWDs gain equitable access to financial tools, enabling them to:- Start businesses
- Secure loans or insurance
- Save and manage finances independently
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Showcasing Role Models:
Recognized institutions serve as role models, inspiring others to follow their lead in prioritizing PWD inclusion. This increases opportunities for PWDs to access better services. -
Building Financial Confidence:
Increased awareness and services resulting from the awards encourage PWDs to participate in the financial system, building their confidence to engage with banks and financial institutions. -
Fostering Economic Empowerment:
Improved financial inclusion enables PWDs to:- Gain access to entrepreneurial opportunities
- Achieve financial independence
- Participate in mainstream economic activities, reducing poverty and inequality
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Creating a More Inclusive Ecosystem:
PPFA bring together stakeholders—banks, policymakers, and NGOs—creating synergies that promote systemic change, ultimately benefiting PWDs with:- More accessible policies
- Improved infrastructure like wheelchair-friendly bank branches and ATMs
- Advocacy for rights and inclusion
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Providing Recognition and Advocacy for PWD Voices:
PPFA amplify the voices of PWDs, ensuring their needs and feedback are central to financial inclusion strategies. -
Inspiring Grassroots Change:
By encouraging community-level initiatives, the awards help ensure that inclusion is not just a top-down effort but also engages local actors to make services accessible at the grassroots. -
Long-Term Empowerment:
Over time, PPFA shall contribute to a societal shift where inclusion becomes the norm, ensuring that PWDs are not just passive beneficiaries but active contributors to the economy.
By celebrating efforts in financial inclusion for PWDs, the Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards act as a catalyst for change, creating a society where persons with disabilities are empowered to achieve their full potential through equitable access to financial resources.
Why Sponsor
Sponsoring the Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards is a powerful way for your Organization to align your brand with a meaningful cause while demonstrating leadership in advancing financial inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Reasons why you should consider Sponsor:-
Amplify Social Impact:
Sponsorship directly supports the recognition and promotion of initiatives that empower PWDs, positioning your organization as a champion of inclusion and positive societal change. -
Showcase Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
Sponsoring PPFA aligns with CSR objectives, demonstrating your company’s dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive financial ecosystem in Pakistan. -
Build Brand Equity:
Association with the awards strengthens your organization's reputation as a socially responsible organization, boosting trust and goodwill among stakeholders, customers, and communities. -
Reach a Targeted Audience:
The awards attract a diverse audience of policymakers, financial leaders, development organizations, and advocates for PWDs, offering a unique platform to showcase your organization's commitment to inclusion. -
Enhance Stakeholder Relationships:
Sponsoring the awards demonstrates shared values with key partners, creating stronger connections with financial institutions, regulators, and development organizations. -
Foster Industry Leadership:
By sponsoring PPFA, your organization positions itself as a leader in the financial inclusion space, setting benchmarks and inspiring others to adopt inclusive practices. -
Strengthen Employee Engagement:
Employees take pride in being associated with a socially impactful brand. Sponsoring PPFA also reflects your organization’s inclusive culture, improving retention and attracting purpose-driven talent. -
Support National and Global Goals:
Sponsoring PPFA demonstrates alignment with Pakistan’s financial inclusion agenda and global initiatives like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. -
Leverage Media and PR Opportunities:
PPFA offers excellent visibility through media coverage, digital platforms, and event recognition, enabling the sponsor to amplify their brand’s commitment to inclusion. -
Inspire Long-Term Change:
By supporting PPFA, the company helps create a ripple effect, encouraging more organizations to prioritize financial inclusion for PWDs and fostering a truly inclusive economy.
Sponsoring the Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards is not just an investment in a cause—it’s an investment in a future where financial services are accessible to all. This sponsorship symbolizes leadership in making inclusive financial systems a reality, benefiting both society and the economy.
