To celebrate Women’s World Banking’s 45th anniversary, we are showcasing the voices of individuals from around the world who have shaped and touched Women’s World Banking journey since its inception in 1979 at Commission on the Status of Women to today!
These are stories from across Women’s World Banking’s reach from the women we serve and our customers, to allies and women in leadership who have contributed to women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
How Digital Payroll Transformed Sar Yorn’s Life
Meet Sar Yorn, a garment factory worker in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. For over a decade, Ms. Yorn has been working in an industry where 80% of the 800,000 workers are women, contributing to Cambodia’s $9 billion textile export economy. But managing her finances was far from straightforward. Her factory, which opened in 2011 had always paid salaries in cash, twice monthly, as required by law. That made sense before smart phones were relatively expensive and uncommon in Cambodia. In those times, Ms. Yorn faced long payday lines and would have to go to her local Wing agent early in the morning before work in order to convert the cash and then remit funds to her family in the provinces. This changed dramatically when her factory adopted digital payroll.
The Challenges of Cash Payments
Ms. Yorn mentions how payday meant hours of waiting in line. “Paydays were long and I had to wait for my turn, which could take a whole day just to get my pay,” she says. YornHer situation wasn’t unique—67% of women in Cambodia don’t have a bank account and face similar barriers to banking, leaving them without the tools to manage their money efficiently.
The Digital Payroll Shift
In 2021, Wing Bank and Women’s World Banking introduced a digital payroll system in Ms. Yorn’s factory. Instead of waiting in long lines, workers now receive their salary directly into Wing accounts, allowing for immediate access to her funds on payday and her own savings account in which to save formally for emergencies and personal goals. The addition of a low-cost salary loan product also provided a new and very convenient safety net. “The Wing Bank Digital Loan has been a lifesaver during emergencies,” she shares, emphasizing how quick access to funds has helped her feel more financially secure.
Financial Empowerment Through Technology
Ms. Yorn reflected on how her new skills have boosted her influence and confidence within her household. “My husband is impressed with my financial management skills. He often tells me how smart I am for using digital platforms to save time. He even asks me to teach him how to do certain transactions.”
Ms. Yorn’s story is one example of how digital payroll is transforming financial inclusion for women in Cambodia. With over 80% of workers in her factory using the Wing Bank app, women are now able to save, borrow, and send money with ease, giving them greater control over their finances.
“Being able to effectively manage my finances and adapt to the digital age has been empowering. I would never want to go back to the outdated manual cash management system”
Ms. Yorn’s journey highlights the power of digital payroll in reshaping how women in Cambodia manage their finances. As more factories implement digital payroll, more women will experience the financial freedom she now enjoys.
It is stories like Ms. Yorn’s that inspire us every day. We hope she inspires you too.
Women’s World Banking is dedicated to economic empowerment through financial inclusion for the nearly one billion women in the world with no or limited access to formal financial services. Using our sophisticated market and consumer research, we turn insights into real action to design and advocate for policy engagement, digital financial solutions, workplace leadership programs, and gender lens investing.
As part of our current strategy, we’ve helped provide over 82 million women in emerging markets – targeting 100 million by 2027 – access and use of financial products and services that are transforming women’s lives, households, businesses and communities, and driving inclusive growth globally.
Help us reach the nearly billion women still excluded from the formal financial system. Donate now.
