'When one woman moves forward, she creates space for many more to follow'

Financial Express (FE): What does the 2026 International Women's Day theme #GiveToGain mean to you personally and professionally?

Shaila Abedin (SA): #GiveToGain reflects that giving creates lasting value - for others and for yourself. When institutions give opportunity, trust, and access, they gain innovation, loyalty, and sustainable growth. When women are given the tools to thrive, organisations perform better and economies grow stronger. Personally, #GiveToGain reminds me that empowering women is both a responsibility and a strategy. Every time I support, mentor, or create opportunities for women, I am helping shape a future where more women can rise, lead, and transform their communities. Professionally, it reinforces the Prime Bank's belief that inclusion is a driver of long-term value creation for the nation. When we give support, systems, and confidence, we gain stronger leaders, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.

FE: How does Prime Bank build a workplace culture that truly empowers women?

SA: Empowerment remains structural rather than symbolic, focusing on merit and role-based leadership pathways alongside mentorship and sponsorship for women. This approach incorporates leadership development initiatives, flexible and inclusive workplace policies, and a safe, respectful, performance-driven environment. Our Diversity & Inclusion team works to ensure this safe and respectful workplace while promoting equity and belonging. We believe inclusion is about enabling progression into decision-making roles. Culture is defined by accountability, tone from the top, and consistent action. At Prime Bank, talent- regardless of gender- has equal opportunity to lead. Inclusion is embedded in how we recruit, develop, and promote our people.

FE: As a senior leader at Prime Bank, how do you inspire the next generation of women professionals?

SA: Inspiration begins with consistent action. Young women need to see leadership demonstrated through real decisions, accountability, and tangible outcomes - not just words. I encourage them to invest in continuous learning, seek mentorship, and build the confidence to own their voice. Resilience is essential; persistence defines leadership. I strongly advocate for sponsorship to ensure talented women are strategically positioned for meaningful opportunities. I advise the next generation to own outcomes, not just responsibilities. Never leave a commitment incomplete - because at leadership levels, your performance shapes institutional trust and opens or closes doors for those who follow. Organisations rely on credibility, and credibility is built through consistent delivery. When women witness action and experience opportunity firsthand, they begin to shape their own narrative and redefine what is possible. My philosophy remains simple: lift as you rise - because when one woman moves forward, she creates space for many more to follow.

FE: What inspired Prime Bank to launch Neera as a dedicated banking proposition for women?

SA: Neera was born from the realisation that women need an ecosystem, not just isolated products. While women comprise nearly half of Bangladesh's population, their labour force participation is only 37 per cent due to structural gaps in finance and asset ownership. Closing this gap unlocks national economic potential. Global research shows that advancing women's economic participation accelerates GDP growth. Women reinvest up to 90 per cent of their income into their families, creating a multiplier effect for social resilience. Empowering women, therefore, is not only a social responsibility, it is a strategic growth imperative. At Prime Bank, we recognise that women's aspirations evolve across life stages - from students and professionals to entrepreneurs, homemakers, and seniors planning their legacy. Each stage carries distinct financial and emotional needs. Neera was designed around this complete life cycle, serving women across all socio-economic segments with relevance and empathy. Importantly, Neera goes beyond traditional banking to embrace complete wellness, integrating financial solutions with mental health, physical well-being, leadership development, and networking. True empowerment is multidimensional. When women progress, families thrive, and economies strengthen. Neera is Prime Bank's strategic commitment to enabling that transformation.

FE: What motivated Prime Bank to introduce the EV two-wheeler benefit for Neera customers?

SA: Mobility drives opportunity and empowerment. In Bangladesh, many working women face daily commuting challenges that impact the productivity and safety of working women. Limited access to safe and reliable transport remains a practical barrier that influences the current 37 per cent economic participation rate. Homemakers also face significant mobility needs, from school runs to household management, yet many remain dependent on others. Research consistently indicates that improved access to safe mobility increases women's workforce participation, income-generating capacity, and overall autonomy. The EV two-wheeler benefit under Neera focuses on three clear priorities: safety and independence by enabling secure commuting, practical empowerment through support for work commutes, school drop-offs, and daily essentials, and sustainable progress by promoting environmentally responsible mobility aligned with Prime Bank's green finance commitment. This initiative goes beyond vehicle financing; it expands access to opportunity and strengthens women's participation in everyday life.