Bridge the gap II: Women, Money & Markets

14 January 2015. For its second edition Bridge the Gap combined the power of money and markets, by increasing women’s access to global supply chains and finance.  The organisers invited smart social entrepreneurs, committed NGO´s, break through innovators, worldly corporates, sustainably-minded financials and ambitious impact investors.

Inspirational speakers shared what they have achieved so far and the lessons they learned on the way.

The acceleration of women’s entrepreneurship doesn’t purely depend on financial access, but also on access to markets. Large corporations are powerful players in the global value chains and have the potential to positively impact women as entrepreneurs, employees, decision makers and customers.

Theopista Sekitto Ntale, a fervent advocate for an economically independent African Woman, is the African Ambassador for the Global Banking Alliance for Women. She is also the current Head of Uganda Chapter New Faces, New Voices, a program focused on women empowerment and enhancing sustainable development.

Paul Njaga is CEO at Chase Bank Kenya and is a member of the UK Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments and a Certified Public Accountant CPA(K). He directs the development and implementation of the overall strategy of the Bank, which has a developed a separate product lines for its women clients. He has worked across financial institutions both in London and Kenya for over 16 years.

Jero Omare Ogah is the CEO of Fortis Mobile Money Ltd where he is responsible for driving sustainable growth, innovation and corporate strategy. He is a seasoned executive with over 15 years’ experience in Banking Operations, Business Strategy & Development, Financial Inclusion, Digital Payment Solutions, Business Process re-engineering, Organizational Alignment, Project Management as well as Strategic Planning & Execution.

Roselyn Akinyi Walender is Director of Women’s Leadership at Cordaid championing the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and the development of National Action Plans; Women and Leadership, women and political participation, Women’s Cooperatives, women and economic empowerment pulling on her 20 years experience in international development in fragile contexts, conflict and post conflict reconstruction countries. She is a strong advocate for accountable governance and Civil Society Strengthening.