Episode Four: Gender Lens Investing and Credit Union Development

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has gained significant interest and momentum in the credit union industry over the past few years. Episode Four of the Global Credit Union Podcast delves into a topic related to DEI as we look at the role of gender in credit union development. Funded by USAID INVEST, World Council of Credit Unions’ Gender Lens Investment for Credit Unions Activity in Senegal is piloting a gender lens investment methodology for credit unions to connect women with needed capital. As community-centered financial cooperatives, credit unions are ideally positioned to deliver blended capital solutions that increase investment in women-led businesses. The pilot is being implemented through UM-PAMECAS, the national credit union association for Senegal. Sophie Romana serves as the lead gender specialist and SME finance consultant on the project. Diattou Coulibaly serves as the activity’s local consultant and inclusive finance expert. Both join Greg Neumann to talk about the obstacles facing women when it comes to obtaining loans and other types of financial products in the developing world; why it is important those obstacles be removed; and how the goal of their work is to make it easier for women to obtain credit to build and grow businesses. They also discuss how they are working with women working in the pilot credit unions to create a Global Women's Leadership Network Sister Society chapter.