Housing Finance Bank Recognized for Gender Equality and Empowerment Initiatives

Housing Finance Bank has been lauded for its unwavering dedication to fostering gender equality in the workplace, earning two prestigious awards at the 2024 Empower Her Awards, an initiative by Nation Media Group and KPMG. Under the overarching theme of “Achieving an Equal Future,” the event aimed to spotlight organizations championing gender parity and exploring avenues for a more equitable society.

The bank secured accolades in the Empower Her Award and Woman of the Future categories, underscoring its commendable efforts in promoting women’s representation in managerial roles and implementing impactful initiatives to cultivate gender balance within its workforce.

The Empower Her Awards spotlight organizations across diverse sectors actively combating systemic barriers that impede women’s advancement, with a vision of fostering a world where women and girls enjoy equal opportunities, rights, and influence alongside their male counterparts.

Ms. Peace Piwang, Chief Human Resource Officer at Housing Finance Bank, expressed gratitude for the recognition, affirming the institution’s commitment to providing a level playing field for both genders. She stated, “These awards validate our ongoing endeavors to nurture a workplace culture that values inclusivity and empowers every individual within our organization. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of practices that uphold equality and foster an environment conducive to innovation and excellence.”

This recent accolade further embellishes Housing Finance Bank’s illustrious journey in promoting gender parity, having previously clinched the Gold Award under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gender Equality Seal (GES) Programme. The bank’s board and executive management boast a balanced gender representation, with women comprising 50% of these leadership roles, a testament to its proactive stance on equal opportunities.

Mr. Micheal Mugabi, Managing Director at Housing Finance Bank, emphasized the intrinsic link between the institution’s success and the empowerment of its workforce. He remarked, “Our organizational resilience hinges on empowering every employee, irrespective of gender. By spearheading initiatives that champion gender equality and facilitate women’s progression, we not only fortify our institution but also contribute to the broader socioeconomic advancement of our communities.”

Highlighting the bank’s holistic approach towards gender equality, Mr. Mugabi outlined initiatives aimed at providing women with access to affordable housing solutions and nurturing their entrepreneurial endeavors. He announced, “In addition to our Zimba Mpola Mpola incremental home loan solution tailored to support women in homeownership, we have partnered with the European Investment Bank to extend €50 million in affordable credit lines and technical assistance to women-owned businesses in Uganda.”

These concerted efforts are aligned with Housing Finance Bank’s overarching mission of enabling sustainable homeownership and financial independence, while also contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, notably Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

In conclusion, Housing Finance Bank’s recognition at the Empower Her Awards underscores its steadfast commitment to championing gender equality and empowerment, setting a commendable example for the financial sector and beyond.