Development of a Gender-Inclusive Financial Roadmap
Country
Ecuador
Member institution
SEPS Ecuador
Timeline
September 2021 – October 2022
Thematic area
Gender inclusive finance
Context
SEPS Ecuador found evidence of a significant gender gap in financial inclusion, and in women’s representation as members of financial cooperatives. Many women were not applying for credit because they were unaware of the financial offer, women entrepreneurs lacked business management knowledge, and women lacked confidence in the use of digital financial services.
Women need specific financial products and special measures should be taken to encourage women’s access to and use of credit, but only 20% of Credit and Saving Cooperatives had designed financial products for women.
Women need specific financial products and special measures should be taken to encourage women’s access to and use of credit, but only 20% of Credit and Saving Cooperatives had designed financial products for women.
Project Activities
Outcome
The development of the Gender Financial Inclusion Roadmap, coupled with the implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools, marked significant progress in Ecuador’s efforts to reduce the gender gap and enhance women’s financial inclusion. By addressing specific areas of concern and adopting a strategic approach, Ecuador is working to create a more equitable society where women have improved access to and utilization of quality financial products and services.