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.
Scroll down to download the report. At the intersection of financial inclusion and product design lies an often overlooked yet vital question: What about women? Despite the growing recognition of the importance of women in economic development, financial products are too often designed without the unique needs and experiences of
By Ker Thao, Maria Serenade, and Elwyn Panggabean Globally, the emerging youth population presents a potential for economic growth. However, youth in developing countries also still face barriers to access financial services, such as three of 10 million Cambodian young adults who remain financially underserved. Youth savings, in particular, has
Product Design in Women’s Financial Services As Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian aptly notes, The global average hides the starker reality of the situation women face. In some countries, it will take over 100 years to achieve gender equality in financial access without further intervention. The
Behavioral design is an important new tool in helping the financial services industry see women (and low-income women in particular) as a viable market segment.
Using our women-centered design approach, we worked with ideas42 to figure out how to get more women to sign up for JazzCash mobile accounts through referrals.
By Louiza Kaluna, Program Coordinator, Leadership and Diversity If women were full economic participants, global GDP would rise by 26%. Amid changing political landscapes globally given national elections in 74 countries in 2025, women’s financial inclusion represents a valuable opportunity. The financial services sector stands as a constant force for
By Maria Serenade Sinurat, Sieska Sumendap, and Elwyn Panggabean In a busy corner of a Jakarta suburb, Atin, 36, keeps a steady rhythm. Between racks of clothes and shelves of beauty products, she runs a physical store with six employees and manages three online stores. Orders come in throughout the
Unlocking Growth Opportunities for All Financial inclusion forum 2025 9 – 10 SEPTEMBER | JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA A dynamic gathering of global leaders, policymakers, financial services providers, and innovators committed to closing the gender gap in financial access. Register Now Why Attend Agenda Speakers Resources Venue Register Despite playing a
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
At Women’s World Banking, we are dedicated to building evidence on the relationship between women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Our definition of financial inclusion goes beyond access; it encompasses the choice to access a full suite of responsibly delivered financial services and the capability to use them effectively. Over
