Policy Handbook for Women’s Financial Inclusion

Women’s financial inclusion has expanded significantly over the past decade, but structural barriers still prevent millions of women from fully participating in the financial system. Closing these gaps requires more than expanding access; it requires financial systems intentionally designed to work for women.

The 2026 Policy Handbook for Women’s Financial Inclusion provides policymakers, regulators, development partners, and financial institutions with a practical framework to embed gender responsiveness into financial-sector policy and regulation.

Built on global research and best practices, the handbook outlines seven Gender Policy Principles (GPPs) that can help countries strengthen financial systems so women can access, use, and benefit from high-quality financial services. These principles translate decades of global evidence into actionable regulatory and policy tools that can be adapted across diverse country contexts.