What does it take to build a financial system that truly includes—and sustains—women’s participation?
At the Fianncial Inclusion Forum 2025, we are exploring three critical pillars—universal identification, inclusive payments, and consumer protection. Each stage reflects both the opportunities and the barriers she faces as she moves from first access to shaping the system itself.
The Five Stages of a Woman’s Financial Journey
- ID & Onboarding – “I exist. I am seen.”
A digital ID is often the first gateway to economic participation. Without it, a woman cannot open an account, access social protection, or be formally recognized. Our Policy Brief on Digital ID highlights how equitable ID systems can unlock access for millions. - Payments – “I can send. I can receive. I can participate.”
Payments are not just transactions—they are a lifeline. Digital payment systems help women safely receive wages, access government benefits, and build trust in financial institutions. But the mobile digital gender divide remains a barrier, requiring policy reforms and investment in gender-intentional infrastructure. - Consumer Protection – “If something goes wrong, I have rights.”
Without strong protections, women risk losing both money and trust. Lessons from Egypt and Rwanda show how regulations that prioritize women’s realities can strengthen confidence in formal systems. - Usage & Retention – “I’m more than a user. I’m an active participant.”
Access alone is not enough. Sustained usage requires products that meet women’s needs, leadership that reflects their experiences, and financial institutions committed to long-term engagement. Our research on inclusive leadership demonstrates how decision-makers can drive change from within. - System Change – “I’m shaping the system, not just using it.”
The ultimate goal is for women to move from being passive participants to active shapers of financial ecosystems. This requires sex-disaggregated data, policy mandates, and an intentional commitment to equity at every level.
From Identity to Impact
We began this conversation with a challenge: how can a woman fully participate in the economy without a digital identity?
We have seen how an ID can open the door to payments, protection, and power. Now the question becomes: how far are we willing to go to make this journey possible for every woman, everywhere?
The answer lies in partnership, policy, and persistence. Explore our resources below to learn more:
Action and Policy Recommendations to Collect Sex-Disaggregated Targets
Powering Inclusion Through Policy and Partnership: Lessons from Egypt and Rwanda
How Inclusive Leadership Contributes to Women’s Financial Inclusion
Policy Brief: Bridging the Gender Gap Through Digital Identification Systems
