Women breaking barriers in fintech space – 9PSB
Digital platform 9 Payment Service Bank has stated that women have been able to break barriers in the fintech and financial space despite facing challenges.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, 9PSB, Branka Mracajac, at the 2024 Digital Pay Expo and Exhibition held in Lagos with the theme, ‘Redefining Payment’.
In a statement from the digital bank on Tuesday, Mracajac spoke during a session on Women in Fintech, titled ‘Inclusive Finance for SMEs’, designed to mentor participating female undergraduates across institutions of higher learning in Lagos State.
She emphasised that women were making significant breakthroughs in the fintech sector and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in recent years compared to what was obtainable in the past.
“Although women are still contending with their male counterparts for positions, it is evident that many women are assuming key executive positions in the finance and fintech sector, as well as other areas of human endeavours. The fintech industry is striving to improve the situations occasioned by gender disparity, inclusivity, and financial inclusion to ensure equal growth and opportunities.
‘’Women are founding many business entities and SMEs, it is important to have the right mindset, work hard and put in more effort to educate yourselves, acquire the right expertise and skills, network and find someone who will inspire you and the opportunities would present itself.
“We need more prominent professional women leaders in fintech to inspire young girls. We did not have this in my time, but the dynamics have changed. Women should stay focused, connected, and look for opportunities to kick-start their careers,” she said.
Other female CEOs in the fintech sector who formed part of the session were Ronke Kuye, (Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited, SANEF, Nigeria); Dr Markie Idowu (Xpress Payment Solutions Limited); Kemi Okunsanya (Hydrogen, Nigeria), and Yemi Keri (Heckerbella Limited).
