As it so happened, last year I
pledged at a women empowerment seminar that I attended that whenever in life I
would open up my own company, I would ensure that it would be run by 100%
female staff. The notion was greatly appreciated by all present there and I was
very satisfied with my unique idea. Little did I know my idea was not
exclusive, and I discovered this when I got a chance to visit First Women Bank
Ltd., at its Blue Area branch in Islamabad.
Let me tell you a bit about the
First Women Bank. It has been in operation since 1989 and was inaugurated by
the Late Benazir Bhutto, keeping in mind the financial needs of women
entrepreneurs. The Bank is run by all female staff, but it caters to all men
and women alike. They have a very unique vision that is to create value for the
stakeholders and contribute towards the country’s economic development through
mainstreaming women by creating an enabling environment.
I accompanied a friend there and while
she carried out her transaction, and I looked around in awe. Here was an
organizational model right in front of me, exactly what I wanted my organization
to be one day. I went straight to the Branch Manager’s office and she was
very courteous. I happily discussed my own ambitions with her and
expressed my desire about wanting to run an all-female organization. She told
me it was the best and the most comfortable feeling ever.
I disclosed to her that I am pretty
uncomfortable leaving my personal phone number at the banks where I currently
hold my accounts, and she said she understood what some of us had to go through
being a female in our culture at times. Privacy issues would certainly be of no
concern at the First Women Bank – of this we both were sure.
Talk about timing! While we were
there I found out that they were celebrating “Customer Week”, which was
themed ‘Hum Haazir Hein’!
The Bank was decorated in purple and
white and, being present there and of course a potential customer also, I was
treated to assorted chocolates and candies! I was obviously overjoyed. Here in
front of me was a vision of how my dream would turn out to be - InshaAllah.
I asked everyone around how they
felt as employees here and they all were truly happy and glad to be part of
such a team – it was evident from their expressions. I had my camera (as
always) with me and I asked if I could blog about them – everyone should know
about this Bank! This was my level of excitement guys! And they were kind
enough to let me do it. So I took pictures, and of course a mandatory group
picture, which I will be sending it to the staff of First Women Bank
Limited, and trust me they already have a spot ready for it where they will
enlarge and put it up! I would have gladly joined them too for a picture, but
what I didn’t know is how my day would end up being, hence I didn’t look my
best.
I loved the enthusiasm, the spark that
these women had at the First Women Bank – more power to them! You know what
they say; the success of every woman should be inspiration for the others.
Being women we should raise each other up. Make sure you are courageous, be
strong and, above all, be humble. There is nothing that women can’t do if we
put our mind to it.This is what the amazing staff at First Women Bank
portrayed at all times I was there. Be sure to visit the branch guys, and check
it out for yourselves. Girls should be financially independent and not hesitate
to get small things done like writing a cheque, opening an account and the
likes.
I realize there is a first time for
everything, but be assured that these kind women are there to help you through
it. Let me know if and when you visit.
Till next time,
Urooba Malik.
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