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.
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
Women’s World Banking is actively engaged in providing policy advisory services to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment for the nearly 1 billion women excluded from the formal financial system. This case study highlights our collaboration with the Central Bank of Egypt and the National Bank of Rwanda, supported by
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
Financial inclusion is critical in achieving economic participation and development and achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the UN. However, women often face significant challenges in accessing and using formal financial services. For example, gendered social norms can restrict women’s access to information and tools, lower
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
Research from Women’s World Banking and our partners highlights the significant benefits of more women banking agents, both for the Financial Services Providers (FSPs) that employ them and for the women agents themselves. But in order to reap these benefits, FSPs need guidance and support from policymakers when it comes
By H.E. Serey Chea from the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC); H.E. Ibu Nurhaida from Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK); Pia Roman, Head Inclusive Finance from The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BsP) The 2017 World Bank’s Global Findex report reveals that true financial inclusion for women has not yet been realized
Women’s World Banking partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria to convene key stakeholders in Lagos to discuss current barriers and forward-thinking strategies that will make financial services and products more accessible for women.
MEDIA RELEASE April 2, 2019 Contact: Karen Miller, +1 212 556 3149 or klm@womensworldbanking.org Women’s World Banking and Alliance for Financial Inclusion gather Central Bankers and Senior Policymakers from around the world to kick off its inaugural Leadership and Diversity Program for Regulators Oxford, England – Women’s World
Women’s World Banking’s recent Making Finance Work for Women Summit brought together leaders from the public and private sectors, investors, and researchers to discuss, debate and create the solutions to drive women’s financial inclusion globally.
Women’s World Banking and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) to collaborate in delivering a Leadership and Diversity for Regulators Program.
Women’s World Banking launched the Southeast Asia Advisory Council in May, supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Women’s World Banking, the Center for Global Development, and ExxonMobil Foundation launched She Counts, a global initiative convening and harnessing the power of financial service providers committed to serving women.
One year on, what has the effect of demonetization on India been? Thoughts from our Chief Investment Officer.
The incredible potential for impact when working with a government that understands the importance of women’s financial inclusion & puts resources behind it.
VICE President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to grace the Women’s World Banking that will feature leading international experts driving the innovations in women’s financial inclusion.
Our President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian’s comments were cited in this article on India.com about India’s biometric identification system, Aadhar.
A bank and regulator share how they were able to partner effectively to bring digital financial services to low-income rural women in Malawi.
Our CEO’s letter to the editor about the impact of India’s demonetisation on women was featured in the online edition of The Economist.
In this guest post, Sutapa Banerjee argues that India’s new law reinforces gender bias in the workforce more than it counteracts it.
Despite huge efforts dedicated to advancing women in leadership across all industries, gender parity still has a long way to go. What’s missing is culture.
Women’s World Banking, with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion, examined enabling policy and regulatory frameworks for women’s financial inclusion .
Women’s World Banking President and CEO co-authored a blog on one of the biggest barriers facing financial access for low-income women: ID’s.
Women’s World Banking participated in the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s (AFI) meeting “Bridging the Gap: Financial Inclusion Policy Solutions for Women in Africa.”
Women’s World Banking is welcoming 14 senior leaders from financial institutions around the world to New York this week, kicking off a one-year Leadership and Diversity for Innovation Program.
Women’s World Banking held the inaugural meeting of its Africa Advisory Council, a group helping refine its strategic work who serve as ambassadors for women’s financial inclusion issues within their personal and professional circles.
Twelve high-profile African leaders, including Nigerian Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have joined with global nonprofit Women’s World Banking to form a new advisory council with the common goal of bringing economic empowerment to low-income African women.
Women’s World Banking Fellow Ramatolie recounts a visit with a male client of network member Microfund for Women in Jordan.
In the press release by the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Women’s World Banking is acknowledged as a partner in building financial inclusion and women’s empowerment in PNG. “Together, PFIP (Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme) and Women World Banking, and led by Bank of PNG, will draw from 20 resource participants
Essma ben Hamida and Essia Nciri, two leaders from our Tunisian network member, enda inter-arabe, were featured by The Montreal Gazette on a list of women who were instrumental in transforming the political landscape of Tunisia.
