How Savings Groups Can Address Gender Inequality Through Dialogue
Unequal power dynamics and discriminatory social norms can stand in the way of women gaining full control of their financial resources. Engaging in four types of dialogue – from household to systems – can help shift these norms.
Informal Financial Savings Practices to Facilitate Formal Financial Inclusion
This study explores the role of informal savings mechanisms, such as the group-based savings system called Ajo or Esusu in the south-west of Nigeria, in promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, and particularly among women.
From Grassroots to Governance: Case Studies of Enabling Regulatory Environments for Savings Groups
This report shares case studies from six countries that detail how advocacy, partnerships, and tailored regulatory frameworks have fostered supportive legal environments for Savings Groups (SGs), promoting their growth, sustainability, and integration into formal financial systems while preserving their essential informality.
Economic Empowerment of Rural Women? Make Sure That She Controls the Income
This paper presents findings from a comprehensive qualitative research study, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and an extensive literature review. It offers practical recommendations for stakeholders working in rural finance and gender empowerment.
Beyond Money: Savings Groups as a Platform for Addressing Root Causes of Gender Inequality
This learning report focuses on the role of savings groups in addressing systemic gender inequities in markets.
Magnifying the Power of Women’s Savings Groups
VisionFund has been exploring how formal loans to savings groups can help overcome capital constraints and improve members’ resilience.
Accelerating Financial Inclusion in Nigeria: Six Key Insights from the 2024 National Savings Group Conference
The conference highlighted the need for a national regulatory framework for savings groups and the establishment of an Apex organization to support them.
Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Village Savings and Loan Associations for Women’s Financial Inclusion in Yemen
This research was commissioned by CGAP and carried out by DeepRoot Consulting to understand efforts by Yemen's Social Fund for Development, to leverage savings groups as an entry point for formal providers to reach underserved, rural, and female segments in Yemen amidst conflict and a contracting microfinance sector.
IFC and Nu Colombia Announce Alliance to Promote Financial Inclusion of Venezuelan Migrants in Colombia
The agreement will allow Nu Colombia to build the foundations to launch, in the future, a market strategy that promotes the financial inclusion of this population through access to digital financial services focused on savings accounts.
Kenya and Tanzania Launch Project to Boost Financial Inclusion
Kenya and Tanzania on Friday launched a project in partnership with the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations to boost financial inclusion in the two countries.