FinEquity: Driving Collaboration to Make Financial Services Work Better for Women

In periods of uncertainty, collaboration is not just valuable, it is indispensable. 

Over the past year, funding constraints have reshaped the landscape of gender-focused initiatives. Several major donors have reconsidered or scaled back gender-related commitments as part of broader fiscal adjustments.

While resources are declining, the challenges women face remain, and the work must continue.

In this evolving context, the convening role of FinEquity has never been more critical. By connecting more than 8,600 actors across the financial inclusion ecosystem through its Global, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa chapters, FinEquity helps to accelerate women’s economic empowerment. It creates a space where practitioners, policymakers and funders share evidence and practical knowledge. Learning from one another helps organizations identify what works, avoid repeating mistakes and adapt solutions more quickly.

“They bring together diverse players under one tent, which gives voice to gender advocates that are otherwise siloed.”
– Funder, FinEquity Independent Evaluation 2025

A recent independent evaluation confirms FinEquity’s unique value. It shows that the network  keeps gender priorities visible at the grassroots, by connecting local and regional practitioners closest to the issues. It also provides a trusted, neutral space where diverse stakeholders can engage. By bringing together actors who might not otherwise collaborate, FinEquity enables them to compare experiences, understand different perspectives and develop practical solutions to shared challenges.

Through annual convenings, working groups and knowledge exchanges, FinEquity bridges gaps –  between research and practice, policy and implementation, and local realities and global agendas. These spaces foster trust, and trust is the foundation for collaboration and sustainable progress.

“FinEquity’s ‘big tent’ is rare and valued. Members note that few convenings like this still exist in the sector, increasing FinEquity’s platform value” 
- FinEquity Independent Evaluation 2025

What the FinEquity evaluation tells us

The independent evaluation highlights FinEquity’s tangible impact. The survey conducted as part of the evaluation shows that:

• 40% of respondents reported a direct influence on their work, including designing strategies, developing solutions and identifying partners. 
• Two-thirds of participants value FinEquity primarily for learning and knowledge exchange. 
• Participants consistently emphasized FinEquity’s role as a trusted, inclusive space for collaboration across sectors and regions.

Collaboration, especially in times of constraint, is not only about pooling resources. It is about sharing practical knowledge and experience. For example, financial service providers may share what they are hearing from their clients and how those insights are shaping product design. Researchers and practitioners can exchange lessons from pilots and programs, including what worked and what did not. These conversations help organizations adapt more quickly and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Examples of FinEquity’s learning exchanges can be found in our webinars and workshops, knowledge guides and convenings. 

Looking ahead: Strategic priorities

In the coming year, FinEquity will continue to strengthen its role as a global community of practice, inviting members and key institutions in the sector to engage as knowledge partners and champions for gender-inclusive finance. 

Core focus areas of our learning agenda, driven by participants’ needs, will remain central:

• Gender-intelligent financial service design, to meet women’s diverse needs. 
• Gender data and analysis, to inform inclusive policies and products.
• Diversity and leadership within financial institutions and ecosystems.

At the same time, FinEquity will remain responsive to emerging topics of interest across regions, including artificial intelligence, climate resilience, financial health, financial education, the care economy and the silver economy.

As we mark the International Women's Day, we have launched a new LinkedIn Dialogue on Gender Norms and Women’s Financial Inclusion. We invite you to read the insights shared by members and experts, and add your own voice to the discussion. Additional dialogues on other topics will follow.

We are also preparing for the FinEquity Annual Event in May 2026. Stay tuned for dates and details. You can sign up to our newsletters to receive updates: Global, Africa, and LAC.

By continuing to connect actors across the financial inclusion ecosystem, FinEquity will sustain momentum, deepen collaboration and help ensure that financial systems work better for women, in times when it matters most.