GCash, the Philippines’ premier finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, commemorates International Girls in ICT Day with a series of initiatives spotlighting women in technology. This year’s theme, focusing on leadership, acknowledges the significant contributions of women not only to the tech industry but also to the wider community.
Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash, emphasized, “True financial inclusion cannot be achieved without the involvement of women. With over half of GCash users being female, it’s imperative to foster more opportunities for women in tech to continue advancing digital finance capabilities in the Philippines.”
GCash leads the charge in embracing and honoring women in technology. Surpassing the industry average of 28.8%, more than 47% of GCash’s workforce are women. In 2023, GCash further increased female representation in its tech-related teams by 31%, spanning software development, technology research, and product innovations.
As a FinTech platform led by women for women, GCash acknowledges its role in driving inclusion and empowerment. By providing accessible financial tools to previously marginalized sectors, predominantly women, GCash empowers them to manage their livelihoods, access loans, and take control of their finances.
In collaboration with various communities, GCash facilitates the entry of more women into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Partnering with organizations like Connected Women, GCash facilitates access to remote work opportunities and training for in-demand skills globally. Recently, GCash renewed its partnership with Connected Women to launch Elevate GAIL (Generative Artificial Intelligence Learning), a purely online training program.
On International Girls in ICT Day, GCash extends opportunities to women through mentoring sessions conducted via external partners. In an event organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), GCash’s Chief Data Officer Sara Venturina and Chief Risk Officer Ingrid Beroña will share their journeys and insights on Data and AI, as well as Cybersecurity, with students at the Far Eastern University.
GCash regularly hosts GTalks, a platform engaging stakeholders on key advocacies. An upcoming GTalks in May will spotlight how women can excel in the tech industry. Through a partnership with the University of the Philippines Diliman, GCash aims to inspire more female students to pursue careers in STEM.
Through its initiatives on International Girls in ICT Day, GCash underscores the significance of empowering women in technology, particularly in a nation where the majority of digital wallet users are women. GCash takes pride in championing this cause, fostering women leaders one step at a time.
“Technology is constantly evolving,” Sazon remarked. “At GCash, we envision a future where the tech industry evolves to provide thriving opportunities for women, a crucial element for achieving financial inclusion and economic progress.”
