Over 2,200 Migrant Women Workers in Dubai Financially Trained - Seite 2

Western Union's team of executives who presided over the event concurred that financial planning goes a long way in helping migrant workers fulfil their goals.

"The enthusiasm with which people participate in sessions, the clear expression of their financial goals, and the resulting outcome of financial empowerment are important pointers to the continuing success of Apna Sapna," said Hatem Sleiman, Regional Vice President - Middle East, Western Union

Sleiman also pointed out the importance and impact of financial education for women, citing a recent white paper by Dr. Ismail Hakki Genc and Dr. George Naufal of the American University of Sharjah: Women are more reliable than men at remitting funds to their home countries - remitting more regularly and often sending a higher proportion of their income. While 95 per cent of women use their money to support households, 52 per cent have used it for unplanned emergencies. Sleiman said, "These remittances are often made with personal sacrifices and compromises, and financial planning is an essential tool to help them plan better futures for their families."  

Apna Sapna sessions are currently being held in workers' accommodations across Dubai, for unskilled workers in the corporate and retail sectors. Prominent women's groups that have been trained include Filipinos, Indians, Kenyans, Sri Lankans and Nepalese.

Notes to editor

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of December 31, 2014, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of over 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories and over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks. In 2014, The Western Union Company completed 255 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $85 billion of principal between consumers, and 484 million business payments. For more information, visit http://www.westernunion.com.