How Can We Build on COVID-19 Progress in Women’s Financial Inclusion

Women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai once famously said, “We cannot succeed if half of us are held back.” Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and the immense social and economic strain it has placed on women and girls, Malala’s statement is as relevant as ever: gender inequalities threaten our economic recovery and resilience.

Yet when it comes to financial inclusion, COVID-19 has also presented opportunities to push for greater equality. The pandemic has heightened awareness of financial exclusion’s impact on gender equality, spurred investment in digital infrastructure and tools, and led to an unprecedented surge in digital payments and new accounts, including among millions of women. In doing so, it has laid before us new and unique opportunities to get women’s financial inclusion right. Read more here.