Theme: Financial inclusion

The World Bank research conducted with 45,000 businesses in 49 countries indicates the impact of COVID-19 was disproportionate on women-led businesses. How can women’s businesses become more resilient? Learn more from Sunil Bhat and other panel of experts.

This case study on BRAC Bank shares lessons from its journey and its experiments with agent banking. It highlights its unique initiatives in making the agent banking channel a profit-making proposition.

MSC conducted primary research in Kenya to understand the challenges of female traders in open-air and cross-border markets. The study identified limitations that prevent them from using digital financial services comprehensively. We sought to learn why these owners of micro and small enterprises shy from using credit, savings, insurance, and payments. Faith Njeri is one such woman. Our new blog discusses the financial challenges countless women like her struggle with as they work on their dream of financial independence.

Home Based Workers in Indonesia are highly vulnerable as they work without formal contracts. They endure unstable incomes, low wages, no insurance, and inadequate working conditions. In some instances, they also face domestic violence. The digital economy poses another challenge for these workers since most are not digitally literate. In this joint op-ed by MSC and Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Indonesia, MSC acknowledges the interplay of four key interdependent factors that are commonly overlooked while designing programs for HBWs. We also recommend ways for recognizing the profiles and gaps of women HBWs to increase their mobility, quality of employment, and economic empowerment.

Despite the Indian government’s gender-focused relief measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, women beneficiaries faced issues as they tried to access and utilize such measures. Issues with access and capability around digital communication and inherent social norms persist as two important factors that intensify the challenges that #women face in using formal financial services.

In this video, we unpack major differences between enterprises run by women and men, the roles that social norms play, and what is needed to reimagine the way we examine women-run businesses.