GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — On July 5, the Ramallah-based National Bank (TNB) launched its latest version of Hayati (My Life), a program that targets women. The privately owned bank first introduced the program in 2015, focusing on savings accounts and offering a limited number of 0% interest loans for modest amounts. The revamped program, the first of its kind in Palestine, offers comprehensive banking services for women, including accounts of all types, credit cards and low-interest housing, personal, car and small-business loans.
The program framework stems from a February 2016 memorandum of understanding signed by Abir Awda, the Palestinian minister of economy, and Rajaa Rantision, the board director of the Ramallah-based Business Women's Forum (BWF), to increase women’s participation in the economic arena.
