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

wwb 45 years michaela walsh featured
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.
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wwb 45 years Sylvia Fung Chin
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.
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wwb 45 years Esther
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.
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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.
wwb 45 years marilou

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.

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