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APM Capital celebrated Emirati Women's Day with a strong emphasis on financial inclusion and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, shedding light on the path to financial empowerment for women. The event featured a 'Women in Finance' panel discussion, which explored the challenges women face and the investment opportunities available to them.

Key Highlights:

• Investment Education: Only 7.5% of women in the MENA region possess a high level of investment education, yet 62% express a desire to become more active investors, indicating a strong interest in improving their financial skills.
• Entrepreneurship: Emirati women own over 128,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the availability of financial products tailored specifically for women could further enhance their access to capital and encourage more women to start businesses.
• ESG Importance: 86% of employees prefer to work for companies with ESG principles, and 83% of consumers believe that companies should adhere to these principles.

During the panel, industry experts highlighted the cultural norms and legal frameworks that pose significant barriers to women's financial independence in the UAE. Tola Denloye, from APM Capital, stressed the need for recognizing women as "equally talented architects of the future" and called for policy and legal reforms to provide equal opportunities for women in the workforce.

Alexandra Reyes, a Transformational Empowerment Coach and the panel moderator, emphasized that financial independence is crucial for women to lead fulfilling lives. She noted that financial literacy and wealth accumulation are essential tools for personal and societal change, which can help close the wealth gap and secure a better future.

Natalia Ishchenko of FlyInvest pointed out that while financial literacy among women in the Middle East is improving, there is still a long way to go. She mentioned that initiatives like ADCB MoneySense and ADIB's Smart Money Program are helping to empower women by improving their financial literacy and enabling them to participate more actively in the economy.

Dagmar Turkova of the European Women's Association highlighted the need for more women to gain experience in higher-level investment and business management. She noted that while only 7.5% of women in the MENA region have advanced investment education, 62% want to enhance their financial skills, indicating a significant opportunity for growth.

The discussion also covered the potential of small business ownership to provide financial empowerment opportunities for women. The panellists agreed that women-owned businesses in the region, which make up about 30% of SMEs, receive just 7% of total funding. They called for robust support systems, including microfinance institutions and government-led finance solutions, to help bridge this gap.

The role of ESG in financial inclusion was another key topic. Tola Denloye emphasized that ESG principles are essential for assessing the broader impact of business decisions on society and the environment. She noted that while environmental factors currently dominate ESG investing, social factors, including gender equality, are gaining importance.

Katie Holmes from the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai added that ESG principles are becoming increasingly critical, with 83% of consumers and 86% of employees insisting on their inclusion in business practices. She suggested that women, with their natural inclination towards societal and environmental concerns, are well-positioned to lead in ESG investing.

The event concluded with a consensus that achieving sustainable impact requires a change in approach and attitude. The panellists agreed that financial literacy and an understanding of cultural needs are key to empowering women in the Middle East to make informed financial decisions and manage both personal and business finances effectively.

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