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 customers, to allies and women in leadership who have contributed to women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
As Women’s World Banking concludes its year-long 45th anniversary celebration, President & CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian reflects on how far the organization has come—from a small group of visionaries with a big idea to a global force helping millions of women access financial tools and services. In this video, Mary Ellen visits the archives at Princeton University’s Mudd Library with Founding President Michaela Walsh, sharing what it means to carry that mission forward today.
She also talks about her own journey and how Women’s World Banking has grown and changed under her leadership. From expanding beyond microloans to designing digital tools and working with banks and governments, the goal has always been the same: to make sure women everywhere have the chance to build a better future. As Mary Ellen says, everyone has a role to play in making finance work for women.
Women’s World Banking is dedicated to economic empowerment through financial inclusion for the nearly one billion women in the world with no or limited access to formal financial services. Using our sophisticated market and consumer research, we turn insights into real action to design and advocate for policy engagement, digital financial solutions, workplace leadership programs, and gender lens investing.
As part of our current strategy, we’ve helped provide over 86 million women in emerging markets – targeting 100 million by 2027 – access and use of financial products and services that are transforming women’s lives, households, businesses and communities, and driving inclusive growth globally.
Help us reach the nearly billion women still excluded from the formal financial system. Donate now.
