The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.