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.
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
Fintech companies are reshaping the way we interact with money and financial services, and their impact goes beyond just convenience and efficiency. A fintech, or financial technology company, is an innovative organization that leverages digital technology to provide a wide range of financial services, including digital banking, mobile payments and
The COVID-19 pandemic affected women in India in many ways. A Women’s World Banking survey conducted in the Fall of 2021 in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal gives light to the ways in which women in these states were impacted by the pandemic. Women in these two states responded to
Read Part 1, From Exclusion to Empowerment: The Meaning of Financial Inclusion The Cost of Financial Exclusion of Women Despite women’s increasing influence in the global economy and their significant contribution to consumer spending, the fact remains that nearly a billion women worldwide are unbanked and lack access to essential
“Although three-quarters of a billion women are still excluded from the formal financial system, we remain steadfast in the mission to usher in universal financial inclusion to unlock the potential of women worldwide.” – Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking What is Financial Inclusion? Our world
With only a high school diploma and the work experience of harvesting in rice paddies, this woman microentrepreneur started growing her small idea into a diversified business.
Women, especially in emerging markets, are expected to rely on their husbands for income. But what if their husband isn’t there anymore?
Original post date of Beyond Financial Inclusion, Learning About Life ٢٨ فبراير ٢٠١٧ تدعى فاطمة، وبمجرد أن خطت أخيراً إلى الحجرة التي نعقد فيها جلسات المناقشات البؤرية الجماعية عن التأمين على الصحة في المغرب، كان من الواضح أنها الأكبر بين الخمس نساء الجالسات حول الطاولة، ترتدي فاطمة الزي التقليدي الفضفاض المزين بالتطريز،
Original Post Date for How to Turn Your Microinsurance Product Into a Success Story: ٣ فبراير ٢٠١٦ بقلم مازن ايهم نمري، نائب المدير العام بقسم التأمين الصحي والتأمين على الحياة بالشركة الأردنية للتأمين عندما تواصل “صندوق المرأة” في الأردن مع فريق عمل “شركة التأمين الأردنية”، بهدف التعاون معاً لأجل منتج
Giving low-income women like Rathnamma access to a business microloan allows her to work for herself and make a better life for her family.
Supported by Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Catalina built a fried chicken business that supports her family and lets her give back to the community.
We’re working with Diamond Bank and MTN to leverage big data in improving women’s access to digital financial inclusion. It is not without its challenges.
Una grabación de seminario web: El liderazgo de la mujer en América Latina: ¿Caso de éxito o situación crítica?
You’ve read a dozen stories of women who have empowered themselves through financial inclusion. What about a story about one who has not?
En français: In this video, Women’s World Banking and its partners share their experience in building a meaningful and sustainable product for low-income women in Jordan, Morocco and Uganda .
Read the story of Nirvana Ademović, a dough production entrepreneur from Gradačac, Bosnia and client of our network member MI-BOSPO.
Women’s World Banking outlines its approach to developing inclusive health microinsurance products in varied markets, with support from Agence Française de Développement.
Meet Haifaa, a successful microentrepreneur in Lebanon and client of our network member in Lebanon, Al Majmoua.
Thank you for registering for the “Financial Performance of Insurance Products” webinar on Thursday, April 28th at 7:30 AM EDT. Your confirmation should be in your inbox within the next ten minutes.
A mother abandoned by her husband with four children to raise all on her own. An unlikely candidate for Microentrepreneur of the Year.
Read the microfinance client success story of Suzan, a client of our network member in Lebanon, Al Majmoua.
Meet a client of Al Majmoua (Lebanon), Jamila. The financial and non-financial services she has received from the institution has helped her become a self-sufficient businessowner.
La fecha límite para inscribirse en la Reunión Global es el 8 de agosto de 2015. Si tenga cualquier duda, por favor comuníquese con Meghan Flaherty. [[formassembly formid=278576 server=”https://womensworldbanking.tfaforms.net” ]] La fecha límite para inscribirse en la Reunión Global es el 8 de agosto de 2015. Si tenga cualquier duda,
Estimado/a Miembro de la red, Muchas gracias por inscribirse en la 16a Reunión Global. Este mensaje confirma su inscripción. El equipo de Women’s World Banking le contactará pronto con información sobre los siguientes pasos que Usted debería tomar, incluso cómo obtener una visa alemana. Si tenga cualquier duda, por favor comuníquese
If you have any questions please contact Meghan Flaherty [[formassembly formid=278574 server=”https://womensworldbanking.tfaforms.net” ]] If you have any questions please contact Meghan Flaherty
Dear Network Member, Thank you for registering for the 16th Global Meeting. This is message is a confirmation of your registration. The Women’s World Banking team will be in touch in in regards to next steps including visa letters. If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Flaherty mjf@womensworldbanking.org We look
Thank you for purchasing your ticket for the Making Finance Work for Women Conference. The event will take place at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) located at Stresemannstraße 92, 10963 Berlin, Germany November 11-12, 2015. Directions to the offices can be found here. Registration will open
A story of success in giving low-income women access to credit to start a business: Monowara lacked skills and education, but she wanted to help her family.
Shini Ashok of Ujjivan interviews Dr. Medha Purao Samant, a widely acclaimed livelihood practitioner and pioneer in bringing microfinance to the slums of Mumbai and Pune.
Chief Strategy Officer Harsha Rodrigues will be interviewed on the Sirius XM Wharton Business Radio show “Dollars and Change.”
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Head of consumer business at NBS Bank (Malawi) shares his key takeaways from an agency banking training in Tanzania led by Women’s World Banking and Helix Institute.
In-depth market research is the foundation for a financial product that meets the needs of women. Properly conducting and applying market research enables financial institutions to understand customer needs and develop appropriate, responsive solutions. This practitioner-driven learning community will convene mid-level managers who are interested in learning how they can
March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration commemorating the advancements in women’s equality. This year’s theme is “Make it Happen,” encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women. To celebrate IWD this year Women’s World Banking is asking each of our network members to show your work
Nithya Palanisami of Ujjivan Financial Services (India) shares her exclusive interview with Vinatha Reddy, founder of GrameenKoota, in this guest post.
December 23, 2014 Link:http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2014/12/23/une-banquiere-qui-prend-les-emergentes-en-compte_1169449 Elle a le look corporate et efficace. Mary Ellen Iskenderian est présidente et directrice générale de Women’s World Banking, une banque différente. Ses profits sont exclusivement réinvestis dans des actions visant à émanciper et assurer la sécurité des femmes dans les pays émergents. «Nous nous attachons
After investing her savings into a business that failed, Nang Edjing picked up the pieces and started another venture with the help of NWTF.
Apply to be part of Women’s World Banking’s Leadership and Diversity for Innovation 2016 Program.
By MI-BOSPO Before the Bosnian war, Mirjana Parhomov was a safety engineer living quietly in the town of Bijeljina, Bosnia. During the war’s aftermath however, she was one of many who were left without a job, an income and a home. “It”s hard when you are left without a home
Women’s World Banking is seeking an experienced firm or individual to develop a technology-based solution for monitoring and evaluating the success of the new Leadership and Diversity for Innovation Program (the Program), including recommendations on an optimal technology platform and build-out of the platform. The consultancy would be on a contract basis.
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Product Research, Marketing and Financial Education Manager Cathleen Tobin will be participating at The Guardian Global Development Professionals Network’s morning seminar, in association with Visa. The panel will be held on Friday, October 10 from 8-11AM in Washington DC. A panel of speakers will cover the following topics: New models for reaching
Read the story of Rani, a livestock and dairy business owner and one of Kashf Foundation’s (Pakistan) successful clients.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian is one of the speakers at the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s annual Trust Conference from November 18-19 in London.
This is the story of Bahiya, a client of Women’s World Banking network member in Lebanon, Al Majmoua.
Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian will be speaking on a panel on “Financial Inclusion as an Engine to Drive Economic Development of Women” at this year’s FORO.
Savings Specialist Ryan Newton will be presenting our youth savings work during the webinar “Banking on Girls: From Piggy Banks to Savings Accounts,” part of the SEEP Network’s Understanding Youth and their Financial Needs webinar series. The webinar will be held on June 10 at 10:00 AM EDT. Event info: This installment
Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian is speaking at an event at Chatham House in London on June 12, 2014 entitled “Unlocking the Potential: Promoting Women’s Financial Inclusion in Africa.” She will be joined by Craig Churchill, Chief of Social Finance Programme, International Labour Organization (ILO). Register Event
Support Women’s World Banking in honor of Mother’s Day and help low-income mothers worldwide build a better future for themselves, their families and communities.
When I tell people that I work at Women’s World Banking, I often get a curious look followed by strings of questions: “Is it a bank for women?” “Is it a CIA front?”, or my favorite, “Can I get a loan from you?” The truth is, besides reciting the standard
Savings Specialist Ryan Newton will be moderating a panel at this year’s Mobile Money Americas 2014 conference in Mexico City. Mobile money and the battle for consumer adoption Hear the panelists’ views on the most effective method of driving consider adoption – is it building trust, consumer education, product development
El día de ayer en la sucursal de Concepción empezaron a desembolsar créditos para Mujeres que participan de un comité de mujeres denominado PACURI, que están en la zona de Loreto. Este comité cuenta con 25 mujeres y ya desembolsaron 10 créditos de g. 1.000.000 cada uno. Estas personas son
En la mañana de hoy en el local de nuestra Sucursal de Villa Morra, ejecutivos de Interfisa, Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones (FOMIN) y del CIRD- Centro de Información y Recursos para el Desarrollo, participaron de una Conferencia de Prensa para dar a conocer la firma de un importante convenio para
Diamond Bank and Women’s World Banking, supported by Visa and EFInA, created an innovative and relevant savings product that crosses the barriers preventing low-income Nigerians from accessing formal financial services.
Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian will give the Simmons College Warburg Lecture at the Linda K. Paresky Center. “There’s Nothing Micro About One Billion Women” How can we empower the one billion worldwide who have no access to basic banking services? Women’s World Banking is a
Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian will preside over a meeting with the OECD Secretary General at the office of the Council on Foreign Relations. Tackling Inequality: Getting the Policy Challenges Right José Ángel Gurría Secretary-General, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Please join Secretary-General Gurría as
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El Programa Mujeres en el Liderazgo se celebra en la Ciudad de México del 24 al 28 de marzo, 2014. Debemos recibir su pago para confirmar su participación en el programa. Puede completar su pago por tarjeta de crédito aquí: [[formassembly formid=278488 server=”womensworldbanking.tfaforms.net”]]
We’re glad you decided to keep hearing from us. Women’s World Banking is undertaking an exciting new strategy that will see us going into markets where we can make the biggest difference in affecting the gender gap in financial inclusion, partnering with the local innovators and amplifying that impact across the world.
Last November, I had the great privilege of joining Women’s World Banking’s closest supporters on a trip to India. Our agenda was ambitious: four financial institutions; five cities; eleven days. Throughout the trip, we met the inspiring women entrepreneurs who are at the heart of every product introduction, piece of research, and leadership training led by Women’s World Banking.
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Por favor, envíe un mensaje por correo electrónico a LeadershipAdmissions@womensworldbanking.org si tiene alguna pregunta. See how Women’s World Banking has impacted the lives of millions of women worldwide. Visit our News & Media page, read our blog and follow us on social media for the latest news about Women’s World Banking and our work: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Pinterest
Estamos complacidos confirmar que usted ha sido aceptada en el próximo Programa Mujeres en el Liderazgo de Women´s World Banking que se llevará a cabo del 24 al 28 marzo de 2014 en la Ciudad de México. Es un honor contar con el patrocinio de Fundación MetLife el
Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian will be a guest at Wharton Business Radio’s “Leadership in Action” show on Sirius XM radio. he will be interviewed by Wharton professor and Women’s World Banking board member Mike Useem on her leadership journey.
Chief Product Development Officer Anna Gincherman will be speaking at a cocktail reception hosted by MetLife and the Microinsurance Network: “Distribution in Microinsurance: Why the Right Partnerships Matter.” January 23, 2014 4:00-5:30 pm Vanderbilt Suites, MetLife Building Grand Central Terminal, 200 Park Ave. at E. 44th St. & Vanderbilt Ave.
Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian will be speaking on a panel at George Washington University’s John Carroll Weekend in Miami.
Chief Investment Officer CJ Juhasz will be speaking at this year’s International Microfinance Seminar to be held in Arequipa, Peru.
Women’s World Banking has been looking back on the past year as 2013 draws to a close—and what an incredible year it has been! Exciting new research on low-income garment employees in India and how to integrate financial education Launched the Gender Performance Initiative to help the industry prioritize and
Sameera got a loan from MFW to start her business (the first one for 1,000 dinar, approximately US$ 1,400). The beginning was especially tough, as she was the first woman to open a storefront business in the Sahab neighborhood, and the male shop owners didn’t approve of her presence. It took all her perseverance and strength to endure this harassment, but finally, she managed to gain acceptance and her business started to thrive.
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Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian will be speaking on a panel on financial inclusion for Blackrock employees.
El Comité de admisiones revisará todas las solicitudes y notificará sus decisiones a los solicitantes. Por favor, envíe un mensaje por correo electrónico a LeadershipAdmissions@womensworldbanking.org si tiene alguna pregunta. See how Women’s World Banking has impacted the lives of millions of women worldwide. Visit our News & Media page, read our blog and follow us on social
Thank you for your interest in joining Women’s World Banking in Morocco! You can join the trip by becoming a 2014 sponsor of Women’s World Banking at one of the following levels: Ambassador – $15,000 donation Benefactor – $10,000 donation Advocate – $5,000 donation There will be an additional estimated*
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Women’s World Banking President and CEO will be moderating a panel of speakers during a small group discussion at this year’s Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting. Sep. 25, 2013 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Women’s World Banking supporter Maureen O’Toole wrote of her travel experience in Tunisia earlier this year.
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Dominican Republic Banco ADOPEM, with the support of Citi Foundation, trained 3,000 women entrepreneurs through its “Enterprising Women” program. Read the full article on Listin Diario.
Chief Product Development Officer Anna Gincherman is a panelist at the 12th Annual AFMIN Conference and General Assembly on October 15-18, 2013. This year’s theme is “Inclusive Finance for Inclusive Growth and Transformation in Africa” at the Africa Union Conference Center, Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. The overall objective of the conference is to bring together
Women’s World Banking is seeking a Consultant to advise on the research and product design as part of Feasibility Studies for a health microinsurance product (hospital-cash) to be offered in partnership with financial institutions in Mexico and Brazil.
Fundación delamjuer, our network member in Colombia and one of the institutions with whom Women’s World Banking developed rural credit products, is hosting a launch event of their rural credit product to the rest of their branches in the country.
Senior Associate for Research Anjali Banthia will be speaking about our research on financial inclusion for women in the Pacific at the upcoming National Workshop on Women’s Access to Financial Services in Papua New Guinea. She will be sharing our findings with a group of policy makers, gender and development practitioners
2013 Annual Benefit Make a Donation: [[formassembly formid=44 server=”womensworldbanking.tfaforms.net”]]
Our President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian will be interviewed on the West Africa financial news show “Power Lunch” on CNBC Africa.
Since we began meeting in early 2011, many of the Working Group’s discussions have focused on the fundamental question of what the microfinance industry requires to flourish in the future. We believe that client protection is central to the answer. It is common sense – and good business practice – that a fair and respectful relationship with clients is required to develop trust, reduce risk, and serve them appropriately.
The gender performance indicators help financial institutions determine whether they are serving women well, and with what outcomes.
Women’s World Banking President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian will be speaking at the Institute of International Education’s book launch event on Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30pm. The event will be held at the IIE’s offices at 809 United Nations Plaza. Mary Ellen contributed to the book, “Women in the Global Economy: Leading Social Change.” The book explores the landscape of women’s participation in the economy and the key role that women play in fueling economic growth by creating stable societies.
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April 18, 2013 Program 2:00 – 4:30 PM Cocktails 4:30 – 6:00 PM Baker & McKenzie LLP |
Click here to register! |
For more information please contact Katherine Chapman at katherine.chapman@bakermckenzie.com or +1 212 626 4595.
Senior Associate at the Center for Microfinance Leadership Sarah Buitoni will be speaking on the Social Enterprise Panel together with Leslie Puth of ACCION and Marianna Tu of New York Needs You.
Women’s World Banking wishes you and your loved ones a very happy New Year!
“…I first heard Mary Ellen Iskenderian, president and CEO of Women’s World Banking, in action while listening to NPR’s coverage of the recent controversy that has erupted over reports that the presence of women in senior roles was a contributing factor to the banking crash. Iskenderian was giving The Takeaway hosts Celeste Headlee and John Hockenberry an earful on what’s wrong with the media spin on new research by Germany’s central bank on the impact women directors are having on previously all-male boards of financial institutions…”
“…But the lesson that I’ve learned, and what I really, I sort of regret having missed so many years of my life not knowing this, was just how absolutely central the role of women is to financial stability, to household stability. If kids are going to get to school and stay in school and have food to eat while they’re there and remain healthy while they’re there, it’s because the women are going to make that happen. And I had not made that connection before coming to Women’s World Banking. Directed / Produced by Jonathan Fowler & Elizabeth Rodd”
WWB hosted its fourth Women in Leadership Exchange from February 20 to 23, 2012. Nine graduates of WWB’s Women in Leadership Program from seven institutions in seven countries participated in the four-day Exchange in Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco. Al Amana microfinance, a leading Moroccan microfinance institution and member of the WWB network, acted as local co-host and was one of the sites visited during the Exchange.
” ICRW: How does Women’s World Banking approach microfinance and why focus on women?
Dear friends,
One of my favorite parts about being the CEO of a global microfinance network is the opportunity to travel the world, visiting WWB network members and observing, first-hand, the impact that access to financial services can have on the lives of women and girls. I recently had the pleasure of leading a field visit to Banco ADOPEM in the Dominican Republic with four members of the WWB Board.
On Friday, March 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., the ARS has organized a high-level panel event with the Armenia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and Ambassador Garen Nazarian. Along with Mary Ellen Iskenderian, the CEO of Women’s World Banking, and Meryl Frank, president and CEO of Makeda Global, Nazarian will discuss “From Empowerment to Sustainability: Financing, Health, and Participation for Rural Women.” Killian will represent the ARS and present the organization’s decades-long efforts in advancing rural women in Armenia and the diaspora.
Join the 2012 inaugural event highlighting David Roodman and his new book Due Diligence: An Impertinent Inquiry into Microfinance. This book has been described as “..the most complete investigation ever into the sources and consequences of microfinance.”
Join ICRW March 7 for Read More »
“The year 2012 is the UN year of cooperatives. After a roller-coaster year for microfinance—where markets were a solution, then markets created a problem, a state reigning in the markets while being a player—it is a good time to reflect on where it started and where it thrives. We have three examples and a few thoughts. These institutions did not exist for profits, not scale, just relevance to their customers.
By Ryan Newton February 1, 2012 Ana Laura opened her first savings account at Banco ADOPEM in the Dominican Republic in April 2011. She closely monitors the money she has in her account, keeping track of the number and size of deposits she makes. Ana Laura recognizes that the bank not only provides more
By Mary Ellen Iskenderian
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“…Learn how microfinance creates miracles. “When women are economically empowered, they’re more likely than men to put money back into the family and spend on things like education for their kids, health care for the whole family, and improving their housing,” says Mary Ellen Iskenderian, the president of Women’s World Banking, an organization that helps low-income women entrepreneurs in 27 countries. Microfinance gives these women access to capital they’d never qualify for at traditional banks…”
In less than 40 years, microfinance has spread around the world, today providing access to credit and other financial services to more than 205 million poor clients,1 most of whom were previously ignored by mainstream financial institutions. From modest roots, microfinance has built a global network of institutions dedicated to serving low-income people. It has transformed our understanding about the power of opportunity.
“As CEO of a global microfinance network I spent much of 2010 answering questions about the crisis in India and advocating for the continued relevance of microfinance as a model. This year’s challenges, however, gave me an opportunity to talk about the essential role of transparency and good governance and the importance of building on a deep understanding of client needs to tailoring products to fit those needs.
“…A strong philanthropist leader in her own right, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, president and CEO of Women’s World Banking, said she believes that individual leaders can affect not only the lives of others, but also the world at large.
“In coming to Women’s World Banking, I’d say, the greatest privilege is that I meet — literally, daily — women who are clients, who are leaders of our institutions, founders of our organizations, whose lives, if left to their own devices, would have gone in a very, very different path,” Iskenderian said…”
WWB has a vision that one day all women will have access to a secure financial future for themselves and their families. We work with our 39 network member institutions, including CECM in Burundi, to help them create sustainable financial solutions for women and girls. Microfinance is about much more than credit, and has the capacity to help more than entrepreneurs. Our network reaches more than 26 million clients, 80 percent of whom are women. The key economic priorities for poor women continue to be health care, the education of their children, and housing.
On March 21, 2011, Women’s World Banking held its annual Global Dinner Celebration at Capitale in New York City. We were delighted by the confluence of over 400 men and women from different corners of the world who came together to celebrate women entrepreneurs and to support financial inclusion for the poor.
WWB’s annual dinner honors women who have championed and advanced the cause of empowering women.
While world poverty has decreased over recent years, we still live in a world where economic justice has not been achieved. Almost two thirds of the world’s people live without the security of knowing that they can earn enough to sustain themselves and their families.
This means they are unable to do the things we take for granted – like sending their kids to school, being able to go to a doctor, having a job, or even having access to land to grow food. The poorest of the poor (just under 1 billion) don’t even know where their next meal is coming from.
A topical discussion with leading experts on the development and impacts of microfinance around the world. Chaired by Lori Bittner, a director in Deloitte Consulting LLP focused on emerging markets, the event will feature a panel discussion among experts from both the commercial and non-profit sectors.
Microfinance is an area of considerable research and attention in the economic development community. The Deloitte Northeast International Business Resource Group (IBRG) hopes to deepen understanding of microfinance and engage Deloitte professionals and guests by offering:
WWB network member enda in Tunisia, which has 60 offices nationally, continues to operate amid a change in government that has left the country in an uneasy limbo. Michael Cracknell, co-director of enda, wrote “We are naturally concerned for our operations and our staff, and especially our clients. I learned yesterday that at least three have died. But we are trying to keep our operations working since the clients need us more now than before, especially some whose businesses have been damaged.
