Driving Women's Financial Inclusion at All Levels
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.
Latest Posts
The MFWW Podcast Ep. 26: Tokens, Tech & Trust: What Crypto Means for Inclusive Finance
Crypto is redefining value. But what does this mean for people too often left behind by traditional finance—especially women? In this episode of Making Finance Work for Women, we sit down with Rebecca Carvatt, Partner at EY Financial Services Consulting. With nearly two decades of experience scaling digital banks and
The MFWW Podcast Ep. 25: Inside the Numbers: What the Global Findex Means for Women
The 2025 Global Findex is here—and it’s making headlines. In this special episode, Women’s World Banking President & CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian joins Leora Klapper, Lead Economist at the World Bank and architect of the Findex, for an exclusive first look at what the data reveals about women’s financial inclusion
Leveraging Digital Innovation to Enhance Access to Credit for Women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (W-MSEs) in Nigeria: Insights from Our Pilot with The Grooming Centre
In partnership with The Grooming Centre, a leading microfinance institution dedicated to building a vibrant and high-growth organization poised to play a leading role in enhancing access to financial services for the poor. Women’s World Banking launched a project in June 2024 aimed at enhancing financial access for Women-led Micro
Prioritizing Digital ID and Inclusive Payments to Unlock Economic Growth for AllÂ
Imagine trying to open a bank account, receive government support, or even send money—without a personal ID. For 850 million people globally – almost twice the population of Europe – this is a harsh reality. Without ID ownership, these individuals are prevented from accessing essential services and fully participating in
The MFWW Podcast Ep. 24: Not Just a Loan: How Credit Can Power—or Fail—Women’s Economic Potential
Traditional credit products often ignore the lived realities of women entrepreneurs—requiring collateral they don’t own, loan terms they can’t meet, and scoring models that fail to see their value. In this episode, we unpack groundbreaking findings from Innovations for Poverty Action’s latest evidence review on what it truly takes to
Why Women’s Financial Access Is the Smartest Investment Policymakers Can Make
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
Digital Savings as a Pathway to Resilience for Women Entrepreneurs
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
Making Finance Work for Women for 45 Years | Regina Mwelu
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 to today! These are stories from across Women’s World Banking’s reach from the women we serve and our
Empowering Women, Building Trust: A Case Study of a Women-Centric Insurance Solution in Nigeria
Meet Ruth. She is a 26-year-old Nigerian woman and the owner of a mini pharmacy in Ilesha town in southwestern Nigeria.  Ruth, like many other Nigerian women, is particularly vulnerable to health risks and faces gender-specific challenges related to maternity. According to the latest Findex, sixty-two percent of Nigerian women
Absa Bank Kenya Partners with Women’s World Banking to Accelerate Growth of Women-Led SMEs
14 May 2025, Nairobi – Absa Bank Kenya has today announced a strategic partnership with Women’s World Banking, aimed at deepening financial inclusion and promoting economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs across Kenya. This partnership was signed on the sidelines of the Women’s World Banking partners breakfast held in Nairobi. It will
