Bank of Palestine participated in the annual Global Banking Alliance for Women held in Istanbul and organized by Garanti Bank from Turkey. One-hundred participants representing 30 banks from 24 countries took part in the meeting.
During the meeting participants discussed a number of projects and success stories of women worldwide. They also talked about the positive aspects of women participation in business areas and their contribution to the development across the whole spectrum of economic sectors. Women, participants agreed, have left indelible prints on developing financial products in the areas of business and banking industry all over the world. Moreover, participants called for strengthening the participation of women in planning for the future of different economies.
Statistical data indicate that the rate of unemployment in labor force among women in Palestine is 32% higher than that of men and for this Bank of Palestine is exerting enormous efforts to focus on women and promote their role and contribution to the development of Palestinian economy.
Bank of Palestine aspires to reach out to all segments of women who are owners of enterprises, employees and housewives by way of developing women banking products and services. During the past few year Bank of Palestine raised the number of its female staff from 17% in 2008 up to 24% in 2012. The bank seeks to raise this percentage up to 50% and employ women in senior administrative positions.