The digital platform, 9 Payment Service Bank, has highlighted the accomplishments of women in fintech and finance, who have persevered through challenges to break into these formerly male-dominated fields.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Branka Mracajac, made this revelation at the 2024 Digital Pay Expo and Exhibition, which took place in Lagos. The event, themed ‘Redefining Payment’.
On Tuesday, 9 Payment Service Bank issued a statement quoting its CEO, Branka Mracajac, who spoke at a session titled ‘Inclusive Finance for SMEs’ during the Women in Fintech event. This session aimed to mentor and inspire female undergraduates from various institutions of higher learning in Lagos State.
She stressed 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).
