Explore the latest global and regional insights from Women’s World Banking’s work in policy, leadership, women’s entrepreneurship, gender lens investing, and more.
As Central Bank Digitial Currencies (CBDCs) gain traction globally, with the majority of central banks exploring their potential specifically to improve financial inclusion, the question arises: Can CBDCs truly serve as a catalyst for women’s financial inclusion, and can women trust them? In this brief, we delve into the benefits
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
Beneath Nigeria’s vibrant marketplaces, women micro-entrepreneurs navigate a complex financial landscape. 70% of trading in Nigerian markets is carried out by women (IFC), but despite their significant economic contributions, these women remain underappreciated, often overlooked by financial institutions—at their own risk. In 2022, Women’s World Banking collaborated with three Nigerian
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 the Women’s World Banking journey since its inception in 1979 at Commission on the Status of Women till today. These are stories from across Women’s World Banking’s
This toolkit is designed to empower financial service providers in refining and enhancing their digital credit solutions to better serve low-income women, particularly micro-entrepreneurs. Providers will be equipped with strategies to design and implement initiatives aimed at improving access to credit for women, addressing the unique challenges they face in
By Ade Ashaye, Regional Head for Africa, Women’s World Banking If you ever find yourself in Lagos, particularly Marina, you’ll encounter a bustling financial hub. Picture a towering 30-story marble tower, which serves as the headquarters for one of the largest banks in Africa. Right next door is an open
Few financial products and services are developed with the needs of the low-income woman customer in mind or account for the challenges that a low-income woman might face. Many financial products are not set up to sustain the continued interaction required to create the trust that the low-income woman needs
Women face significant barriers when it comes to accessing credit, largely due to the fact that they are less likely than men to own fixed assets such as land or property. Fixed assets are commonly used as collateral in traditional lending models, which puts women at a disadvantage. Compounding this
Women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment are critical building blocks in development. Between now and 2030, the target date for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the inclusion of women in the financial sector and their economic engagement and empowerment will unlock major milestones on the road to a more
2021 will be a crucial year for women to build their financial resilience and begin recovering from the setbacks created by COVID-19. According to a recent McKinsey report, women globally are twice as likely to experience job loss due to the pandemic, despite making up only 39% of total employment.
Women’s World Banking’s global network of financial service providers (FSPs) champions women’s financial inclusion in their local markets, shares best practices, and leverages expertise in inclusive economies. Never has this community of practice been more important to women’s economic empowerment than now, particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic creating adverse economic
By Tokunboh Ishmael, Managing Director and co-Founder, Alitheia Capital What is good for gender equality is good for the economy and society as well. – McKinsey & Company An estimated 120 million Nigerian women are susceptible to the health consequences of firewood use. Of this, about 95,000 die each year
By Mehrdad (Mehi) Mirpourian, Senior Data Analyst, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, at Women’s World Banking “There have been as many plagues as wars in history; yet always plagues and wars take people equally by surprise.” – Albert Camus, The Plague Introduction Businesses function in environments that are agile and hard
