Halima Iqbal, founder of Oraan, recently met with Bill Gates during his visit to Pakistan, where he engaged with various Pakistani leaders in Islamabad, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focused on healthcare advancements and economic development in these discussions.
Founded in 2018 and backed by significant investments, Oraan is committed to advancing financial inclusion for women in Pakistan. The startup transforms traditional savings practices in South Asia through digital platforms, providing crucial financial access to more than 100,000 women.
During Gates’ visit, Halima Iqbal presented Oraan as a leading example of Pakistani technology enhancing financial inclusion for women. This meeting underscored Oraan’s role in socio-economic development and sparked discussions on future initiatives to empower women economically, emphasizing the success of RAAST in expanding overall financial inclusion.
Subsequently, a financial services roundtable reinforced commitments to enhance women’s income opportunities and foster an inclusive financial ecosystem in Pakistan. Key participants included Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of Finance; Shaza Fatima, Minister of Information & Technology; Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan; and other stakeholders.
Oraan’s participation in this high-profile dialogue marks a significant milestone in its mission to democratize financial services nationwide. With endorsements from global leaders and robust governmental support, Oraan aims to further promote financial stability and accessibility for women across Pakistan, contributing to sustainable economic growth and gender equality initiatives.