The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.