Women's World Banking

The first week of 2025 is here, and we’re starting strong! On a special episode of the Making Finance Work for Women Podcast, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, Tom Jones, and Harsha Rodrigues reflect on what 2024 taught us about resilience, innovation, and driving change—and what’s next for Women’s World Banking this year. 🎧 Tune in and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/41M8voS

#ClimateChange was a top focus for Women’s World Banking in 2024, and Esther’s story highlights why why the work must continue. A 45-year-old fisherwoman in Indonesia, Esther depends on her daily catch for her livelihood. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather are jeopardizing her ability to earn and support her family. For too long, the financial sector has failed to equip women for this crisis. Tailored #FinancialServices—like flexible microloans, climate insurance, and digital payment platforms—can help women like Esther build resilience and thrive despite the challenges. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ekdNFKCK

Over 45 years, #FinancialInclusion has evolved dramatically. What began as microcredit has evolved into a full spectrum of financial services: savings, insurance, pensions, and digital banking. Harsha Rodrigues, our Global Head of Regional Client Services, has been at the forefront of this transformation. Yet, nearly a billion women remain excluded or underserved by financial systems—a reminder of the immense work still ahead. "If we design with women in mind, whether it’s the digital public infrastructure, whether it’s a digital financial service, whatever it is that we design, if we design with women in mind, everybody will benefit, including men. And if we don’t, women will be left behind.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eFKKnwjt

Congratulations to TymeBank on achieving unicorn status with their impressive $250M Series D funding round led by Nubank!   Tyme Group joined the Women’s World Banking Global Network in 2020 after winning the Fintech Innovation Challenge, which recognized their tech-driven solutions to closing the gender gap in financial services. Led by Founder & CEO Coenraad (Coen) Jonker and Chief Growth Officer Rachel Freeman, Tyme employs a unique digital banking model that combines technology with human touchpoints like kiosks and bank ambassadors embedded in retail locations. This aligns with our mission to advance #FinancialInclusion for women and their families. From serving 2.3 million customers, Tyme has expanded to 15 million with accessible, affordable and convenient financial services, demonstrating the transformative power of mission-driven digital financial services.   We celebrate Tyme as the first unicorn in our Global Network and proud to have played a role in their journey. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

What did 2024 teach us about resilience, innovation, and driving change? In a special year-end episode of the Making Finance Work for Women Podcast, our CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian, COO Tom Jones, and EVP of Regional Client Services Harsha Thadhani Rodrigues reflect on the strides we’ve made in #FinancialInclusion, lessons learned, and the vision that will guide us into 2025. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts: https://bit.ly/41M8voS

As Board Chair of Microfund for Women صندوق المرأة (MFW) and a Women’s World Banking Board Member, Muna Sukhtian Martinon has transformed MFW into Jordan’s largest nonprofit microfinance institution, serving 150,000 women. From introducing health insurance tailored to women to boosting  #FinancialLiteracy, Muna’s leadership proves that empowering women creates lasting change. Learn more about her inspiring journey and MFW’s impact: https://bit.ly/4gxyHrA

From a young girl welcoming customers in her family’s bakery to a global advocate for women’s #FinancialInclusion, Rosmarie Michel’s journey is defined by connection and courage. As Vice Chair of Women’s World Banking, she met women working tirelessly to build better futures—like a paper picker in India who, with a microloan, sent her daughter to school. These moments deepened her passion for empowering women to transform their families and communities through access to #FinancialServices. Read her inspiring story: https://bit.ly/4gohIII

Today is the LAST chance to apply for the 2025 Leadership & Diversity Program for Regulators! 🚨 This program empowers financial regulators at the intersection of #LeadershipDevelopment and women’s financial inclusion. Designed for senior officials and high-potential women leaders in central banks and regulatory agencies in emerging markets, this multi-week, blended learning program delivers: -Tools to foster an environment for women’s #FinancialInclusion. -Strategies to advance gender-diverse leadership within institutions. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eTPjncXR

Congratulations to our Board Chair, Janet Truncale, for being named one of Forbes 100 #PowerWomen ! Her recognition among 100 women who collectively command $33 trillion in economic power and influence over 1 billion people worldwide highlights the undeniable role women play in driving growth and shaping a better future. Janet’s visionary leadership inspires us all in advancing #FinancialInclusion for women globally. Learn more about Janet's journey with Women's World Banking: https://lnkd.in/eQ3-Kyvk

From bridging the digital divide to managing cybersecurity risks, regulators face critical questions in today’s digital age. Women’s World Banking’s 2024 TechEquity program, supported by Visa Foundation and AIR - Alliance for Innovative Regulation, brought together tech leaders and women regulators to address these challenges. Key insights: ✅ Regulators are balancing innovation with stability as #fintechs and crypto reshape services. ✅ APIs and data-sharing are crucial for connecting legacy institutions with new technologies. ✅ Building trust is essential, especially for women entering the financial system for the first time. Explore more on how collaboration can close the gender gap in #FinancialInclusion from our latest blog by Sonja Kelly, PhD. https://bit.ly/4goii9n