The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast (Women’s World Banking)

The promise of artificial intelligence for financial services providers is automated decision-making at scale, but that means AI also automates risk at scale. Take women business owners for example – historically, they have been the victims of unconscious bias in lending decisions. Algorithm- enabled credit decisions have the potential to create a level playing field for female customers worldwide—but only if we find and mitigate biases emerging through technology inputs and processes.

Join Sonja Kelly, Global Vice President of Women’s World Banking proprietary research division, as she speaks with author, advisor and ethicist, Reid Blackman, about how you can ensure your AI is ethical and create an onramp to financial inclusion for women everywhere.

Did you know that 753 million women in climate-vulnerable countries do not have an active bank account or e-wallet and women who are financially excluded are most likely to live in a climate-vulnerable region? In this episode of Making Finance Work for Women, we sit down with one of Reuters' "Trailblazing Women in Climate for 2024" to challenge the traditional focus on resilience and survival during climate shocks. Instead, we shift attention to how women can not only adapt but thrive as temperatures rise. Focusing on the critical role of finance, we explore how financing can create new opportunities and a road to resilience for women in climate-vulnerable regions. Join us for a hopeful conversation that redefines what it means to build a sustainable future, especially for women on the frontlines of climate change.

Blockchain and crypto have barely cemented themselves into our global society and there are already hundreds of use cases, testing it as a viable mechanism to lay a fast foundation for financial inclusion, especially for those traditionally limited by patriarchal financial systems. Today, women are often blocked from traditional financial services due to systemic issues like earning income in more informal sectors, lack of identification, insufficient collateral, mobility constraints and limited financial literacy. So, can this new tech beeline to the woman customer and help overwrite her typical barriers?

Join Sonja Kelly, Global Vice President of Women’s World Banking proprietary research division, as she speaks with best-selling author and blockchain guru, Conor Svensson, about if blockchain can enable women’s financial autonomy, as well as the promise of cryptocurrency and if it is truly a smart business investment.

In episode 9 of The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast, we embark on a compelling exploration of the evolution of fintech, recognizing the pivotal yet underrepresented role of women leaders in this burgeoning industry. As fintech matures, it is crucial to acknowledge the responsibility that accompanies its growth. Our guest, a prominent figure in regulatory and policy circles, has been instrumental in fostering innovation within the sector. Beyond her regulatory expertise, she serves as a passionate advocate for increasing the representation of women and girls in fintech. Despite women holding less than 2% of leadership positions, her efforts highlight the transformative potential of female leadership in driving inclusivity and innovation. Join us as we explore the history and future of women in fintech, examining leadership tactics women themselves can take to drive inclusivity and innovation in the industry.

As the year comes to a close, join us for a special December episode of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, "A Moment of Reflection: Insights from the Leaders of Women’s World Banking." In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with the CEO, COO, and Executive VP of Regional Client Services to reflect on the year’s achievements, lessons learned, and the remarkable individuals who drive Women’s World Banking’s mission. From celebrating strides in women’s financial inclusion to exploring resilience in the face of global challenges, this episode offers heartfelt stories, lighthearted moments, and visionary perspectives for the year ahead. Don’t miss this reflective and uplifting conclusion to 2024! 

In Episode 13 of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, we explore the groundbreaking Global Gender-Smart Fund (GGSF) with Ruurd Brouwer, Board Chair of GGSF and CEO of TCX. Discover Ruurd's journey into gender-lens investing and learn about the innovative fund designed to achieve $700 million in assets by 2026. We'll delve into the critical role of public-private partnerships, the interplay with policy, and how this fund aims to address the $1.7 trillion gender gap. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about the largest gender lens fund in history and its transformative potential for women-led businesses and global communities.

Research indicates that female leaders are more likely to champion climate action and sustainability, yet perceptions of their leadership have declined in G7 countries, with only 49% comfortable having a woman as CEO and 47% comfortable with women as heads of government. In this episode of Making Finance Work for Women, we explore why we hesitate to embrace female leaders, especially in the context of climate change—a crisis that disproportionately affects women. In climate-vulnerable countries, women MSMEs face challenges to resilience of their businesses and need financial tools to adapt to new climate realities. Join us as we speak with Buhle Goslar, a fintech leader with over two decades of cross-continental experience and a fellow inclusive finance advocate, to discuss the unique insights women bring to leadership, their commitment to sustainability, and the barriers they face. Tune in to challenge stereotypes and envision a future where female leadership drives global solutions. 

In episode 8 of Making Finance Work for Women, we embark into the world of cryptocurrency. Ever wondered about he true potential of crypto as a game-changer for financial inclusion? This episode explores the promises and pitfalls, inviting you to grapple with the skepticism surrounding this revolutionary technology. Picture a decentralized financial landscape, but also consider the challenges, from wild market swings to a literacy gap among users. As you listen, ponder the burning question: Can crypto overcome these hurdles and truly bridge economic gaps, or are there fundamental obstacles in its path?

Join Sonja Kelly (Vice President, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and Sheila Warren (CEO, Crypto Council for Innovation) for a thought-provoking exploration that has you examining the transformative power of cryptocurrency and its impact on equalizing financial access.

This episode delves into the pivotal role of physical touchpoints in the digital age, exploring their significance in engaging women customers and enhancing their financial inclusion. This topic has particular relevance to financial sector supervisors as technology changes access for vulnerable customers.

Sonja Kelly (Global Vice President, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and Simone di Castri, PhD (Co-Head & Co-Founder, Cambridge Suptech Labs) discuss the intersection of fintech innovations, the role of banking agents, financial capability, and the effectiveness of digital financial solutions in reaching the last-mile customer and ensure a holistic approach to women's financial empowerment.

We know usage of mobile internet is not keeping pace with connectivity. Host Sonja Kelly (Global Vice President, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and guest Aniqa Sandhu (CEO, Digital Financial Services, Digicel Group) spotlight the role of mobile network companies in driving women’s usage of mobile internet, and consider how effective digital financial capability building can help drive usage for women.

According to the GSMA, although mobile operators’ investments in network infrastructure have helped to shrink the ‘coverage gap’ from 1.4 billion people in 2015 to 400 million people in 2022, there are still 3.2 billion people around the world covered by networks who are not using nor reaping the benefits of this connectivity. Women are disproportionately affected by this issue, with the gap around usage of the mobile internet increasing in 2022 to 16%, translating to 264 million fewer women than men using mobile internet.

In Episode 14 of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, we’re exploring the cutting edge of fintech, where innovation meets inclusion. We’ll unpack the gender gap among fintech founders, delve into how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping the industry, and tackle the crucial issues of privacy, trust, and financial health. Our guest, Nicole Casperson, is a visionary leader in fintech, championing the integration of women at the forefront of this digital revolution. Join us as we envision a future where tech-enabled finance isn’t just inclusive—it’s designed with women at its core. 

Women’s World Banking’s Sonja Kelly and the World Bank’s Leora Klapper highlight tangible progress achieved by outstanding players, from fintechs to regulators, across the globe. To close out the episode, they deliver an insider's forecast on what the finance ecosystem can anticipate and what's worth keeping an eye on in 2024 regarding financial inclusion.

Did you know that 840 million women in climate-vulnerable countries would find it difficult or impossible to cover the cost of an emergency? In this episode of Making Finance Work for Women, we sit down with an economist turned fintech founder who returned to her African roots to protect farmers against weather shocks. Together, we’ll dissect their real-life solution and how it is translating to impact for women across markets like Mexico, Kenya, and Indonesia. Tune in to discover how their innovative products are helping women farmers mitigate climate challenges and build a sustainable, resilient future for their communities.

Guest: Rose Goslinga, President & Co-Founder, Pula

Rose Goslinga is the visionary co-founder and president of Pula, an innovative agricultural insurance and technology company dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers across Africa. With nearly 16 million farmers reached since its inception in 2015, Pula has redefined agricultural finance, ensuring that communities can thrive despite the unpredictable challenges of climate and market volatility.

In this episode, we shed light on the often-overlooked connection between finance and displacement, exploring how women are disproportionately affected by economic crises, global conflicts, and more. Drawing from Women’s World Banking’s groundbreaking research conducted in Ukraine, thanks to the support of MetLife Foundation, we unravel the challenges that women worldwide face in maintaining financial stability during times of displacement.

Join Sonja Kelly (Global Vice President, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and Inna Bielianska (General Manager, MetLife, Ukraine) as they uncover inspiring solutions for women’s financial inclusion in crisis situations and share empowering calls to action for policymakers and financial services providers supporting women navigating these complex challenges.

Whether you're an advocate or simply curious about making a positive impact, this episode will leave you informed and motivated to contribute to the financial resilience of women enduring displacement crises worldwide.

This episode explores the potential of a gender-focused investment strategy and its viability as an entry point into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, specifically through the “S.” We will uncover strategies for effectively measuring the impact and scope of gender lens investing.

Additionally, Sonja Kelly (Global Vice President, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and Ivan Chew, CFA  (Director of Impact, BrightLight Group) discuss the transformative potential of investments in women's economic empowerment, a significant avenue towards realizing our social investment objectives, which in turn has a discernible influence on environmental and governance goals.

In Episode 12 of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, we dive into the transformative potential of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and their implications for women worldwide. With over 120 CBDC pilots and projects currently in development, these digital currencies promise to revolutionize financial inclusion. Host Sonja Kelly (EVP, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and guest Sara Elinson (Partner, EY) examine the opportunities CBDCs present for bringing more women into the formal financial system and the critical need to address associated risks, such as privacy concerns and regulatory challenges. Explore the dynamic landscape of digital currencies, the strategies driving their adoption, and the balance between innovation and security. Join us as we aim to answer if CBDCs can pave the way for a more inclusive and secure financial future for women globally.

In episode 10 of The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast, we delve into the intersection of climate change and digital financial inclusion with a prominent African women’s right advocate, Dr. Jennifer Riria (President and CEO, Echo Network Africa Foundation). Her journey provides unique insights into the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat climate change while fostering financial inclusion, especially for women. The initiatives discussed will unveil the crucial role of digital financial inclusion in empowering communities affected by climate change, particularly women.

Join us as we explore the transformative potential of climate-conscious finance and the indispensable role of women like our guest in shaping a more resilient and equitable future for all.

In Episode 11 of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, we discuss integrating a gendered perspective into financial consumer protection. With nearly one billion women entering the formal financial system, it's crucial to protect their rights. Our guest, Jo Ann Barefoot, CEO and Co-founder of the Alliance for Innovative Regulatio (AIR), joins us to explore strategies for inclusion, balancing innovation and inclusion, and the importance of financial consumer protection regulation. Tune in as we navigate towards a more equitable financial future for women worldwide.

Behind the closed doors of many homes, violence is a harsh reality—especially for women in low-income countries. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), to explore the intersection of finance and gender-based violence. With one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence—most often at the hands of intimate partners—the conversation delves into the devastating realities women face. In low-income countries, nearly 50% of women experience intimate partner violence, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue globally. We’ll discuss how financial services can empower survivors, tackle economic violence—which often accompanies 99% of economic abuse cases—and provide pathways to independence and resilience. Drawing on Dr. DaSilva-Ibru's groundbreaking work in Nigeria and innovative survivor-centered approaches, she’ll explore with us the critical role financial institutions play in driving systemic change. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on leveraging finance as a catalyst for safety and empowerment.

If you or someone you know has been affected by gender-based violence, please find some resources below: 

India: 

• Women's Helpline 181 

• Phone: 181 (24/7 helpline across India) 

• Website: https://www.ncw.nic.in/helpline 

• Offers emergency support and guidance to women facing violence. 

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Helpline 

• Phone: 022-25521111 

• Provides crisis intervention and support for women facing domestic violence. 

• Sakhi (Support Centre for Women) 

• Website: https://www.sakhi.org 

• Offers shelter, counseling, legal aid, and support to survivors of domestic violence in different states. 

Nigeria: 

• Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) 

• Helpline: (+234)-8009-210-0009 

• Email: www.warifng.org 

• WARIF offers a comprehensive approach to tackling gender-based violence, including emergency care, legal assistance, and counseling for survivors of IPV. 

• The Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) 

• Phone: 0701 767 5105 

• Website: https://www.dsvrtlagos.org 

• Operates in Lagos and offers support, including legal, psychological, and medical assistance for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 

• Nigerian Women's Trust Fund (NWTF) 

• Phone: +234 802 116 6089 

• Website: https://www.womenfundnigeria.org 

• Focuses on the economic empowerment and advocacy of women, including those affected by IPV. 

• The Mirabel Centre 

• Phone: 0703 103 1245 (Helpline) 

• Website: https://www.mirabelcentre.org 

• A sexual assault referral centre in Lagos providing free medical and counseling services to survivors of sexual violence, including intimate partner violence. 

United States: 

• National Domestic Violence Hotline 

• Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 

• Text: "START" to 88788 

• Website: https://www.thehotline.org 

• Offers confidential support, resources, and a live chat feature for survivors of IPV. 

• Women’s Law (Legal Resource for Women) 

• Website: https://www.womenslaw.org 

• Provides information about legal rights, including protection orders and state-specific laws. 

• Safe Horizon 

• Phone: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) 

• Website: https://www.safehorizon.org 

• Offers support services including legal assistance, shelter, and counseling. 

• Loveisrespect 

1. Phone: 1-866-331-9474 

1. Text: "LOVEIS" to 22522 

1. Website: https://www.loveisrespect.org 

1. Provides support for young people and survivors of dating violence. 

United Kingdom: 

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK) 

• Phone: 0808 2000 247 (Free, 24/7 helpline) 

• Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk 

• Provides confidential support and advice for those experiencing domestic abuse. 

• Women's Aid Federation (UK) 

• Phone: 0808 801 0327 

• Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk 

• Offers practical and emotional support for women experiencing abuse, including access to refuges and legal advice. 

• Refuge (UK) 

• Phone: 0808 2000 247 (National Domestic Abuse Helpline) 

• Website: https://www.refuge.org.uk 

• Provides emergency shelter, support, and advocacy for women and children experiencing domestic violence. 

• The Survivors' Trust (UK) 

• Website: https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org 

• Provides a network of support services for survivors of sexual violence, including those experiencing IPV.