Our Stories
Making Finance Work for Women for 45 Years
Economically empowering women globally through financial inclusion since 1979. To celebrate, join us as we honor 45 remarkable individuals over the next year.
Women’s World Banking came out of the first World Conference on Women held in Mexico City in 1975. Four visionary leaders, Michaela Walsh, Ela Bhatt, Esther Ocloo, and Mary Okelo identified access to finance as a key barrier for women to become full economic actors through the world. Four years later, Women’s World Banking was established with Michaela Walsh as its first president in 1979.
Join us as we highlight 45 remarkable individuals who played a crucial role in our journey.
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Firsthand Experiences with Women's World Banking
New York
Michaela Walsh
She is a nonconformist, visionary and the Founder of Women’s World Banking.
Mexico
Blanca Estela Olvera
She is an entrepreneur living in Mexico. She used Banco Azteca’s e-commerce app, fueled by Women’s World Banking’s insights, to grow and sustain her business.
New York
Sylvia Chin
She is a Partner at White & Case in New York and has been integral to Women’s World Banking’s operations in NYC, providing essential legal counsel and support.
Kenya
Dr. Jennifer Riria
She is the President and CEO of Echo Network and one of Africa’s leading women entrepreneurs.
Ghana
Esther Ocloo
She is a Ghanaian businesswoman and Women’s World Banking’s inaugural chairwoman.
India
Gyanwati
She is a business correspondent (Sakhi) at the Bank of Baroda in India, providing doorstep access to low-income women who are otherwise excluded.
EGYPT
Manal
She is an entrepreneur who was able to turn her passion into a business by accessing individual loan services tailored for women.
Netherlands
Marilou van Golstein Brouwers
She is a former Women’s World Banking Board Member and instrumental figure in founding Women’s World Banking Asset Management (WAM) and managing its first fund.
New York
Janet Truncale
She is Women’s World Banking’s Board Chair and the Global Chair and CEO of EY (the first woman to lead a Big Four accounting firm).
Kenya
Sarah Mwanthi
She is an entrepreneur who transitioned from teaching to owning her own shop in Tikha, Kenya, during the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving a 50% increase in sales despite significant gender-based challenges.
Uganda
Allen
She is a business owner who received insurance to cover her hospital charges and provide financial security during her recovery.
India
Ganga
She is a BC Sakhi (banking agent) who plays a crucial role in providing financial services to other women and the unbanked in her community.
England
Mats Granryd
He is the Director General at GSMA and longstanding champion of women’s digital financial inclusion.
INDIA
Rajesh Bansal
He is the CEO of the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and has been at the forefront of efforts to promote women’s financial inclusion in India.
INDONESIA
Ibu Lenny Rosalin
She is the Former Deputy Minister of Gender Equality, Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection in Indonesia.
INDIA
Ela Bhatt
She was a true pioneer in advancing women’s empowerment and financial inclusion in India, as a Founding Member of Women’s World Banking and the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).
Nigeria
Olubukola Pedro
She is an entrepreneur and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) customer who used their auto repeat loan feature to grow her business.
New York
Harsha Rodrigues
She is the Global Head of Client Services at Women’s World Banking, dedicated to expanding financial access and empowering women around the world.
Supporters of Women's World Banking's 45th Anniversary
As we unveil each story in celebration of our 45 years of impact, we extend our deepest gratitude to our supporters and core funders whose unwavering support has breathed life into each powerful narrative.
