The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast

Ep. 21: Beyond the Bank: Why Financial Inclusion is a Public Health Issue

What if your ability to open a bank account determined whether you could survive childbirth? Or if a lack of credit meant you couldn’t access life-saving healthcare? Financial systems and public health might seem like separate worlds, but they’re deeply intertwined—especially for women. In this episode of Making Finance Work for Women, we sit down with Dr.  Mary-Ann Etiebet, President & CEO of Vital Strategies, to explore a game-changing idea: financial inclusion isn’t just about money—it’s a public health issue. From maternal healthcare to chronic care, to crisis resilience, she breaks down how access to financial services can mean the difference between thriving and barely surviving. Tune in to hear why fixing finance could be the key to a healthier world for women everywhere. 

Ep. 20: From Fintech Innovator to Policy Accelerator: A Regulator’s Journey

In our 20th episode of The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast and as we approach Women’s History Month, we sit down with Inés, a powerhouse in digital finance, fintech regulation, and financial inclusion, to explore why women’s leadership is essential in shaping the future of financial systems. As the head of Innovation and Financial Inclusion at the Superintendency of Banks in the Dominican Republic, Inés brings cutting-edge insights into how digital transformation, open finance, and behavioral economics can drive inclusive financial ecosystems. We’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities in regulatory innovation, the role of women in decision-making for the fintech revolution, and how financial services can be designed to serve women better—not as an afterthought, but as a strategic imperative.
 
Join us as we unpack the intersection of leadership, technology, and financial empowerment, and why diverse leadership is the key to building a more inclusive financial future. 

Ep. 19: Can Financial Inclusion Solve Gender-Based Violence?

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 
Phone: 1-866-331-9474 
Text: "LOVEIS" to 22522 
Website: https://www.loveisrespect.org 
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. 

Ep. 18: A Moment of Reflection: Insights from the Leaders of Women’s World Banking

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! 

Ep 17: Why Does a Warming World Hesitate to Trust Women Leaders?

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. 

Ep. 16: Climate Change Solutions: How One Fintech is Insuring Women Farmers’ Futures

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.

Ep. 15: Beyond Survival: Financial Strategies for Women’s Inclusion Amid Climate Change

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.

Ep. 14: Reimagining Finance: Women, AI, and the Future of Fintech

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. 

Ep. 13: Making History: The $700M Fund for Women's Financial Inclusion

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.

Ep. 12: CBDCs Explained: The Rise, Risks and Future in Financial Inclusion

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.