Continuing to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurial thinking, the Student Entrepreneurship Program (StEP)—an initiative under the School of Business and Management at IBSUniversity—creates opportunities for students to engage with industry leaders from the financial sectors. These guest sessions are designed to broaden students’ perspectives on entrepreneurship, not just in theory but in practical setting across different social and economic contexts.

On Friday, 11 July 2025, the second session of StEP 2025 commenced with an insightful guest lecture titled “Financial Inclusion for Women & Youth,” delivered by Mr.Prabhash Ranjan, Project Manager at Mama Bank (Women’s Micro Bank Limited), PNG. The session ran for two hours and drew active participation from students across business, accounting, and entrepreneurship programs.

Dr. Durga Prasad, Head of the School of Business and Management, who continues to champion meaningful learning platforms through strategic industry-academic collaborations introduced the guest lecture in an official welcome remark. Before giving the microphone over to the guest speaker Ms. Harika, StEP Coordinator, acknowledged how the partnership with Mama Bank supports the university’s broader vision of promoting inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship in Papua New Guinea.

Drawing from his deep expertise in microfinance and development, Mr. Ranjan delivered a compelling discussion on how inclusive financial systems can drive social transformation. His talk focused on the empowerment that comes with financial access—particularly for women andyouth in underserved and rural communities. Mr. Rajan shares four important themes:

1. Financial Inclusion as Empowerment
Mr. Ranjan framed financial inclusion as more than access to banking—it is about opening doors to independence, dignity, and opportunity. He explained that enabling women with financial tools in rural areas can improve the lives of families and communities.

2. Mama Bank’s Impact in the Pacific
As the only women-focused microfinance institution in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, Mama Bank plays a unique role in advancing gender-inclusive finance. Mr. Ranjan shared how their innovative approaches—like village banking and community-based models—support the economic upliftment of women and youth.

3. Youth Financial Literacy and Access
Mr. Ranjan also highlighted Mama Bank’s youth-centered initiatives, including financial literacy programs in schools, micro-savings schemes, and digital access campaigns. He shared success stories of young Papua New Guineans who have used these resources to start small businesses and become changemakers in their communities.

4. Overcoming Rural Outreach Challenges
Reaching rural populations comes with logistical and cultural challenges. Mr. Ranjan outlined how Mama Bank overcomes these through mobile banking, partnerships with trusted local agents, and collaborations with education providers.

This important session integrates financial inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship as key pillars of national development and IBSUniversity is at the fore front to instill these pillars to the future leaders of Papua New Guinea.