Addressing longer-term challenges such as gender diversity is key to economic development and growth. In the community, the Bank's focus is on supporting financial empowerment.
In 2008, Standard Chartered announced a Clinton Global Initiative commitment and is providing financial literacy training to at least 5,000 women across Asia. As part of that goal, the Standard Chartered Women in Business Resource Centre was launched in eight languages. It offers basic educational modules and practical exercises that are particularly relevant to women who are starting and growing SMEs, including, for example, guidelines on business planning, leadership skills and growth. The Bank is also expanding its own work with Goal – an innovative programme which uses sport and education courses to build self-esteem, confidence as well as skills and knowledge among young women.
