Rewriting the rules: women in fintech at ENGAGE Dubai

The session opened with an exploration of the barriers women face in fintech, from cultural norms to workplace biases. Yet, it was clear that these obstacles also present opportunities to lead and innovate.

"With every challenge comes an opportunity to embrace ourselves," said Ghazal AL Sakaal, EVP and Global Head of Digital Strategic Partnerships at Mashreq Bank. "Women have consistently proven they can break barriers and belong at the top, shaping the very foundations of the fintech ecosystem."

Building on this, Likeleli Monyamane, Head of Digital Programs at Standard Bank Group, stressed the importance of retaining and nurturing women leaders in the sector:

"We cannot build a bridge to financial inclusion without the leadership of women in the sector. The 11% of women leaders we have in the region need to not only remain but have leadership longevity."

This perspective set the tone for the session, emphasizing not just resilience but the power of reimagining the future through women’s leadership.

A key theme was the strength women find in collaboration. Panelists rejected the outdated notion that women don’t work well together. Sepo L. Haihambo, CEO of Commercial Banking at FNB Namibia, highlighted her own experience mentoring and being mentored by others.

"Ten years ago, there was a perception that women don’t work well together. That is a lie. We complement each other and uplift one another as we grow," she said.

The panel stressed the importance of allyship, inclusive policies, and mentorship as vital steps to creating environments where women can thrive.

For Likeleli Monyamane, Head of Digital Programs at Standard Bank Group, the numbers tell a story that demands action. Sixty-three percent of women in Africa don’t have bank accounts, and there’s a 28% gender gap in mobile money access. She explained why addressing this disparity is both a moral and commercial imperative.

Her practical suggestions—ranging from policies for inclusion to fostering workplace flexibility—painted a clear picture of how organizations can support women while driving business success.

Each panelist shared stories that demonstrated resilience and the ability to carve out new paths. Fatima Mansoor, Head of Client Relations and Digital Transformation at SICO Bank, shared how she transitioned from brokerage to client relations—a move some considered a step down, but for her, it was a chance to educate and empower.

"I took the opportunity because I knew I could add value," she said. "Sometimes, it’s not about where you start but about the impact you’re able to create."

This shift not only benefited her career but also allowed her to bridge gaps for women investors.

As the panel looked ahead, they identified trends like open banking, embedded finance, and AI-driven personalization as opportunities for innovation. Ghazal AL Sakaal emphasized that women’s ability to lead with empathy and purpose uniquely positions them to shape the future.

"It’s not just about finding a space in fintech; it’s about shaking the table and creating something entirely new," she said.

Her call to action reinforced that diversity isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a necessity for driving meaningful innovation.

The Women in fintech panel wasn’t just a conversation; it was a call to action. From fostering inclusivity to creating opportunities for mentorship, the panelists demonstrated how everyone—leaders, colleagues, and allies—can play a role in transforming the industry.

"If we want to create lasting success, we need women leading the way—not as a token gesture, but as a necessity," said Likeleli.

As the session concluded, the message was clear: the future of fintech will be shaped by leaders who embrace innovation, inclusivity, and bold collaboration. And with women like these paving the way, that future is already unfolding.