We’ve seen a lot of global challenges last year but the MENA region’s fintech ecosystem has been resilient and thriving. The past year has been great for Savii; we closed our pre-seed funding at the start of last year, launched our youth banking app and Visa cards in the UAE and rolled out our money management for teens workshops across Bahrain.

As a woman in tech, I learned from a very early age that the only way to earn the respect of male peers and superiors, was to demonstrate my ability to deliver in whatever role I was in. I grasped every opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and take on a new role.

Going forward, to address the gender imbalance in tech, we need to start with pupils at school. We need to create an awareness of the plethora of different roles available in the industry and dispel the myth that working in tech means one needs to be a developer. Young girls need role models and as women operating in this space, it is incumbent to show that there is a seat for females at the table. I’m proud to say that 60 per cent of the Savii team are women, and I wish to see this number grow.

My advice to women regardless of their industry or role, is to know what you want and ask for it without fear. When we’re afraid to ask for what we want, we create automatic rejection for ourselves. People value authenticity – so be brave in asserting your point of view and sharing your voice in important conversations.

Looking ahead, this year is going to be an important and exciting year as we continue to roll-out Savii in the UAE and gear up for the public launch in Bahrain and Saudi.