The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast

Ep. 11: Finance’s Heroine: Consumer Protection

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.

Ep. 10: Kenya, Climate Change, and Women's Economic Opportunity

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.

Ep. 9: Past to Present: Women's Role in Fintech's Evolution

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.

Ep. 8: Two Sides of the Crypto Coin & the Promise of Financial Inclusion

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 therefundamental 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.

Ep. 7: Insider Insights: Financial Inclusion in 2023 and Shaping Forces for 2024

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.

Ep. 6: Touchpoints for Transformation - The Phygital Revolution

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.

Ep. 5: Gender Lens Investing - A Gateway to ESG Excellence

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 uncoverstrategies 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.

Ep. 4: Beyond Borders - Women's Financial Empowerment in Times of Crises

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.

Ep. 3: The Role of Mobile Network Operators in Women’s Digital Financial Inclusion

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.

Ep 2: Blockchain & Crypto – A Dynamic Duo for Faster Financial Inclusion?

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.