Achieving significant women's financial inclusion in Africa is an attainable goal but one that requires intentionality and, I would add, patience. In the past, a key indicator for assessing increased women's financial inclusion was the number of accounts that women opened. Not much was asked about;
1. Does this financial solution meet the needs of women segments?
2. How well do financial institutions know the women they profess to serve?
3. Do financial institutions understand and accept that women are not a homogeneous demographic, but rather a heterogeneous tribe of entities shaped by their social experiences?
A product that would adequately respond to the financial needs of a rural woman farmer will be widely different from a cross-border trader. The days of pink-washing women's products are over. Not one product can serve all women segments. It does not matter how many accounts are opened by women, does it work for them? Be it savings, credit, pension, insurance, or mortgage?
The intentionality to identify these women segments, to really understand their lives and experiences, and to co-design tailored solutions that precisely match the demands of the segments is what leads to substantial women's financial inclusion. I am happy that my work on women's economic empowerment in Africa is aimed at supporting institutions - both market facilitators and market actors - in implementing this intentionality.
I look forward to hosting Anabela Mabota Lemmy Manje on Tuesday, 30th July to discuss the Financial Sector Deepening Moçambique (FSDMoç) Gender Smart Innovation Facility project. I am so pumped about this conversation.
#women #financialinclusion #africa #makingfinanceforafricanwomen #economicgrowth
FSD Africa Access to Finance Rwanda EFInA FSD Kenya Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSD Uganda) FSD Zambia FSD Network
Excited to announce that Tolulope Babajide, Gender Network Manager, will be moderating our upcoming webinar on designing for women segments in Africa. Join us on July 30th at 2 PM EAT! https://lnkd.in/eHzhhmFn
#WomenFinanceAfrica #DFSInclusion #FSDNetwork
A étudié à Institut supérieur de développement rural de Bukavu
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