IN this era of high inflation and uncertainty, credit cards can be powerful tools of economic empowerment for women. It increases their financial flexibility, opens investment and financing opportunities, and improves overall quality of life.

'Credit cards are an effective way to advance financial inclusion and bring disadvantaged people into the financial system, including low-income and young women,' said Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP), the umbrella organization of the country's 17 major credit card issuers, in line with the International Women's Month celebration this March.