The “PMA” and the “Women’s Affairs Technical Committee” Sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Women’s Access to Banking Services

The “PMA” and the “Women’s Affairs Technical Committee (WATC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing women's access to banking and financial services, in line with the national financial inclusion strategy in Palestine.

Dr. Feras Milhem, Governor of the PMA, and Dr. Areej Odeh, Chairwoman of the WATC signed the MoU in the presence of several members of the WATC Board and a number of department directors from the PMA.

The MoU stipulates collaboration between both parties in implementing financial literacy and education programs related to gender, with the goal of increasing women's awareness of their economic, social, and financial rights. In addition, the MoU outlines cooperation in enabling women to benefit from zero-interest loan projects for women's micro-enterprises, which the PMA is launching in collaboration with partners. The focus will be on targeting women with small and micro-enterprises, female entrepreneurs, and women with startup projects in all programs and interventions. Particularly, the MoU emphasizes the benefit of training through the "Monshati" platform.

The PMA’s Governor stated that enhancing financial literacy and inclusion is one of the primary strategic objectives that the PMA aims to achieve. This objective is pursued alongside ensuring the safety and stability of the banking system, supervising it, and promoting economic growth for all segments of society, particularly the marginalized. He emphasized the importance of economically empowering women and supporting all projects, especially micro-enterprises.

On her part, the Chairwoman of WATC said that the agreement with the PMA is part of efforts to increase women's economic empowerment and enable them to reach decision-making positions. This is achieved by building their capacities and raising their awareness of their financial and economic rights, considering this a strategic goal for both parties.