Women's World Banking

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor Esther Afua Ocloo, a visionary leader who transformed sixpence into a thriving business and paved the way for women’s #FinancialInclusion. As Women’s World Banking’s first chairwoman, she championed economic empowerment, proving that access to credit was key to lifting women out of poverty. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3W4sJr7

What if opening a bank account determined whether you could survive childbirth? Or if a lack of credit meant no access to life-saving healthcare? In our latest Making Finance Work for Women episode, Sonja Kelly, PhD chats with Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Vital Strategies to break down why financial access is critical for #WomensHealth, from maternal care to crisis resilience. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts to learn why fixing finance could mean a healthier world for women everywhere: https://bit.ly/41J5TGV

For too long, traditional financial services have overlooked low-income women, missing out on their immense economic potential. Through innovative partnerships, Women’s World Banking and Mercado Libre are proving that #Fintech and e-commerce can be game changers for #FinancialInclusion. Brigitte Brousset, a leader in this work, is ensuring that #WomenEntrepreneurs have access to capital, digital payments, and the tools they need to thrive. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3DCjYhl

?? Calling all financial services providers! ?? Women’s World Banking is conducting research on the barriers and opportunities shaping women’s access to finance. Your input will directly contribute to building evidence that strengthens #FinancialInclusion strategies and helps drive long-term business growth.? ? Survey participants will also receive professional development perks, including résumé and LinkedIn workshops!? ? It takes less than 20 minutes! Take the survey now: https://lnkd.in/dGhVGEMv??

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating the leaders who shaped Women’s World Banking and transformed #Financialinclusion. This week, we honor Dr. Mary Okelo. Dr. Mary Okelo, East Africa's first female bank manager and a force for change, co-founded the Kenya Women Finance Trust, giving women access to #FinancialServices when banks wouldn’t. As Women’s World Banking’s Africa Regional Representative, she expanded financial opportunities for women across Africa and fought for policy changes that broke down systemic barriers. She mentored young women, stood up against workplace harassment, and proved that women in leadership drive real change. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ivBnai

“I am fearless. I am a go-getter. I am a focused woman.” Olubukola Pedro, a mother of two and founder of Jeda Ventures, faced the same challenge as many #WomenEntrepreneurs in Nigeria—limited access to capital. With only 11% of loans reaching women-led businesses, traditional financing wasn’t built for them. That changed with First City Monument Bank Limited's Auto Repeat Loan, designed with Women’s World Banking to offer fast, flexible financing through simple SMS technology. With weekly repayments that fit her cash flow, Olubukola is growing her business on her terms. When women have the right financial tools, they don’t just succeed. They thrive. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3zVe6hk

Last week we had the honor of ringing in?#InternationalWomensDay?with?the?opening bell of the NYSE!?Infosys hosted a panel?with JoAnn Stonier (Mastercard),?Prati Devre (TD Securities),?and our CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian,?reflecting on the opportunities and challenges that come with stepping into leadership! ? The three speakers spoke about women who had inspired them; Mary Ellen gave a shout-out to?Hon. Soraya Hakuziyaremye, an alumna of our Leadership and Diversity for Regulators Program, who has just been named Governor of the Central Bank of Rwanda. ? Infosys is an “AI-first” company so the panel naturally touched on the ways that?AI, data, and machine learning are transforming industries. But speakers cautioned?leaders?to?first ask: What problem are we solving? The more we understand how to use these tools responsibly, the more we can ensure they serve women and underserved communities rather than reinforce existing biases. More women in decision-making roles leads to better outcomes, but the path to leadership isn't always linear. Women need meaningful networks of mentors, allies, and sponsors who open doors and create opportunities. As?Mary Ellen?shared in?her?book,?There's Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: If you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk together. And if you want to walk fast and far, walk with a woman. ? Thank you to Infosys for?walking with us on?#IWD2025!

On this #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the resilience, strength, and achievements of the incredible women we serve. Women like Olubukola, Blanca, and Gyanwati, who, with access to financial tools and opportunities, are shaping their futures and their communities. ? Every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to empowering women worldwide. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g7VzB_cw #IWD2025 #WomensHistoryMonth #FinancialInclusion

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re shining a light on the women who built Women’s World Banking from the ground up, starting with Michaela Walsh. A nonconformist. A risk-taker. A visionary who saw what others didn’t. In 1975, at the UN’s first-ever World Conference on Women, Michaela stood up and said: “Women have to own their own banking accounts.” That declaration sparked a movement. Four years later, Women’s World Banking was born. Because of her leadership, millions of women have gained access to financial services through #FinancialInclusion. https://lnkd.in/e6sT272b #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025

Women’s World Banking is proud to have scholarship support from the Centre of Excellence on Gender-Smart Solutions for our Leadership & Diversity Program for Regulators! Women’s empowerment paves the way for stronger, more resilient communities.