More than 1 billion women around the world do not have access to even a simple savings account at a bank.
At Women's World Banking, these women are always on our minds, not just because of the tremendous market opportunity they represent for financial service providers, but also because of the economic growth that would result from their inclusion in the formal financial sector.
In 2016, I celebrated my 10th anniversary with Women's World Banking. After 10 years leading this wonderful organization, I am more optimistic than ever that we can achieve financial inclusion for those 1 billion women. Governments and private sector players are catching on to what we’ve always known—women are good for business and good for the economy. With insights from nearly 40 years of research, we’re harnessing the latest technologies and innovative approaches to make an unprecedented impact on women’s financial lives.
Here’s a snapshot of
that impact.
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These successes over the past year challenge us to do even more.
Emerging trends push us forward: improved regulation, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative FinTech models. With this momentum, Women’s World Banking seeks to be the catalyst to reach one billion women with financial services.
We will:
It is a great honor and privilege to serve with my colleagues here at Women’s World Banking. We’re grateful for the generous support of our donors and investors as well as the wise counsel of our Board of Directors as we continue this journey.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President & CEO
Women’s World Banking is governed by a Board of Directors, whose members are all recognized leaders in banking, finance, business, law, community organizing or women’s economic participation. The organization is enhanced by this powerful combination of leaders from various disciplines who together ensure that Women’s World Banking’s work is relevant and grounded. The Board has fiduciary responsibility for the organization and is charged with approving Women’s World Banking’s policies, strategies and annual budgets.
Thank you to Jennifer Riria, Mary Houghton, Julie Redfern, Roshaneh Zafar, and Suzanne Nora Johnson for their board service, which concluded in 2016.
Friends of WWB/USA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, which raises donations from U.S. foundations, corporations and individuals in support of Women’s World Banking’s global mission. The organization maintains a separate Board of Directors comprised of leaders in law, business, marketing, finance and academia who provide fundraising capability and strategic guidance on Women’s World Banking’s global initiatives and U.S. presence.
Thank you to Phebe Farrow Port and Michael Useem for their Friends board service, which concluded in 2016.
Formed in 2014 under the auspices of the U.K. Department for International Development’s Financial Sector Deepening Africa program, the Africa Advisory Council informs Women’s World Banking’s regional strategy and advocates for women’s financial inclusion across Africa.
Thank you to Ade Ashaye, Nomkhita Nqweni, Elisabeth Medou Badang, and Luke McKend for their council service, which concluded in 2016.
Women’s World Banking relies on its core funding partners to make our operations possible. We share mandates to promote gender equality and increase financial inclusion. Women’s World Banking values the reciprocal relationship it has with each core funder. We are proud to partner with these leaders in the development community and are very grateful for their strategic inputs and financial support.
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