This article explores digital financial capability (DFC) as a critical component of the digital transformation journey, especially for women. Financial capability must evolve to include DFC, so low-income women are not left behind. Research by CFI reveals that traditional financial literacy approaches are ineffective and women are particularly affected by social norms. In the same […]

This learning brief examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s savings groups in diverse African contexts and explores how the shift to digitization impacted these groups and their members. Conclusions indicate that women’s savings groups contributed to resilience to economic challenges associated with the pandemic. For example, households with a female member in […]

This FinEquity brief explores the relationship between digital financial literacy (DFL) and women’s digital financial inclusion. The brief outlines the components, enablers, and challenges to women’s DFL, and demonstrates how the various dimensions of DFL are inter-connected and should not be addressed in isolation. Drawing from the experiences of FinEquity members, the brief explores good […]

This article explores the gender gap in mobile phone ownership and efforts to get phones into the hands of more women at the last mile. While these efforts have undeniably increased women’s access to phones, it is less clear if and how women are using phones to improve their lives. The article concludes that handset […]

This white paper, from hiveonline, explores the case for digitizing savings groups. The paper examines the challenges of reaching remote, poor populations and provides a brief introduction to the history, scope, and basic elements of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) methodology. The paper notes that digitization of savings groups can result in the […]

This document is one of three research briefs that highlight key insights from a study of digital savings groups (DSGs) conducted in rural Tanzania from August 2019 through February 2020. The research was conducted by the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) working with savings groups supported by PCI and their Women Empowered (WE) […]

This document is one of three research briefs that highlight key insights from a study of digital savings groups (DSGs) conducted in rural Tanzania from August 2019 through February 2020. The research was conducted by the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) working with savings groups supported by PCI, a Global Communities Partner, and […]

This report provides some of the first insights into how savings groups can successfully transition from paper to digital ledgers and examines some key hypotheses about digitizing savings groups. Specifically, the report presents findings from an evaluation of a pilot test of DreamSave—a digital savings ledger—conducted by Project Concern International (PCI)—A Global Communities Partner, DreamStart […]

The purpose of this training guide is to prepare mobile money agents and digital literacy change agents to educate people in their communities about the benefits of mobile money services and how to use them. The guide has seven modules with clear lesson plans and guidance for trainers. Participants will learn about the different ways […]

This guide outlines practical steps that mobile operators can take to reach women customers. Drawing on its research and work across Africa, Asia and Latin America over the last decade, GSMA has distilled 10 key recommendations for reaching women with mobile. While consideration of the unique local context is crucial, some overarching themes have emerged. […]