A continuation of MicroSave’s research on developing financial services for women was released this month. The publication details areas such as, microfinance, digital financial services, direct benefit transfers, MSMEs and agent networks.

Information surrounding what financial service providers (FSPs) lack notice of when creating financial productions for poor women along with the challenges these women face are discussed. 

According to the article, key barriers for women include: 

• Innumeracy and illiteracy act as cognitive barriers and hinder them from developing familiarity with FSPs or their agents. 
• The presence of women agents triggers a higher uptake of digital financial services among women customers. 
• The financial independence and overall socio-economic well-being of a poor woman depend, in part, on having an individual personal identification document. 
• Women-led micro and small enterprises not only struggle to access capital but also to formally register their enterprises. 
• When dealing with FSPs, female entrepreneurs expect much more than the delivery of financial products. 

Designing financial products that meet the needs of poor women and lead to success are also examined.