The results obtained with the ‘Ser’ program led Banco Pichincha to be included in the second edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) report ‘Beacons of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion 2024’.

According to the financial entity, she is the only representative from Latin America included in the report, which highlights initiatives implemented to promote financial support for women. Other companies are: Heineken, Hkex, Ingka, McKinsey & Company, Pepsico and Salesforce.

The WEF, according to Banco Pichincha, highlighted the maturity it has achieved in its efforts to achieve gender equality in a country where only 43% of women have access to a bank account. The financial institution reduced the financial gap between men and women by 16% between December 2020 and May 2023.

The search for financial autonomy, access to new opportunities and the transformation of women’s lives in Ecuador, according to the financial entity, “are milestones to which the initiative has contributed.”

The report states that women currently represent 48% of Banco Pichincha’s 4 million clients, and in the microfinance segment, women represent 56% of clients.

To select the initiatives, according to a statement from Banco Pichincha, the WEF assessed the magnitude of the impact of the strategies, the potential for future impact, outside the organization and the long-term sustainability of the initiative.

In its Ser program, the entity implemented a series of internal and external policies aimed at promoting gender equality, according to the press release, which is transformed into a diverse range of financial and non-financial products and services designed specifically for women, as well as in the creation of opportunities for empowerment. women and the promotion of women in leadership positions.

Added to these initiatives is the issuance of a gender bond worth $100 million in 2022 with the aim of promoting women entrepreneurs’ access to financing programs.