Congratulations to Professor Lynne Nakano from the Department of Japanese Studies, whose “Women’s Empowerment through Financial Literacy Programme” has won the 2024 Investor and Financial Education Award (Public/Professional Body and NGO) by the Investor and Financial Education Council. Professor Lynne Nakano and Dr Fu Liping accepted the award at the ceremony on 6 March.
Inspired by Professor Nakano’s research on single women in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, the programme addresses financial challenges faced by many single women, including insufficient savings and insecure housing as they enter middle age. Since its launch in 2022, the programme, supported by the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Japanese Studies, has provided comprehensive personal finance training to 525 women in Hong Kong, including migrant domestic workers and ethnic minority students.
With 18 rounds of workshops completed, participants have gained essential skills in budgeting, savings, asset monitoring, and long-term financial planning. The programme has made a significant impact, as evidenced by measurable improvements in participants’ financial behaviours.
Looking ahead, the initiative will expand to Japan in June 2025, partnering with Osaka YWCA to empower women in Osaka through financial training.
