Business Report :
Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung für Internationale Kooperation (DSIK) to expand financial inclusion and improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged women in Bangladesh.
The signing ceremony was held at Shakti Foundation’s head office in Dhaka and attended by senior officials from both organisations. Under this partnership, approximately 500,000 women clients of Shakti Foundation will gain access to improved financial services, including innovative savings products designed to support long-term financial security.
Speaking at the event, Imran Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director of Shakti Foundation, said, “In 1992, Shakti Foundation launched its microcredit programme based on the Grameen Bank model and pioneered its successful implementation in urban settings. Over the past 33 years, we have worked across 57 districts to uplift disadvantaged women through socio-economic development. We believe savings serve as a vital safety net—protecting women against health risks, natural disasters, and unforeseen challenges. Through this partnership with DSIK, our female members will gain expanded access to financial opportunities and innovative savings solutions, empowering them to build resilience and improve their quality of life. Together, we aim to foster a savings-oriented mindset and promote long-term financial stability.”
Christian Grajek, Regional Coordinator for Asia at DSIK, said, “Around two centuries ago, one of the responses to poverty in a rapidly changing Germany was to provide a secure place for the poor to save money. This gave birth to the Sparkassen, which today form one of the largest banking groups in Europe. DSIK’s mission is to share this experience across 50 countries. Partnering with a dynamic organisation like Shakti Foundation marks another important step in building a savings culture that underpins financial inclusion and offers poor households a path to resilience and empowerment.”
This collaboration marks a significant stride towards inclusive development, ensuring that women across Bangladesh have access to the resources and financial tools needed to thrive in an evolving socio-economic landscape.
