About
Women's World Banking is a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to expand women's financial inclusion in emerging markets. Founded in 1979 and operating for over 45 years, it partners with financial institutions and policymakers, invests directly through its asset management arm, and coordinates a global network of financial services providers — all in pursuit of its stated mission: security and prosperity for women, and inclusive economic growth for all.
Mission
Women's World Banking works under the banner "Security and Prosperity for Women. Inclusive Economic Growth for All." It emphasizes that economic growth cannot be fully realized until access to and engagement with financial services is a reality for women, pointing to roughly 700 million women who remain excluded from formal financial systems.
What they do
- Partners with financial institutions and policymakers to design gender-intentional financial solutions and programs
- Invests directly in financial services providers through Women's World Banking Asset Management (WAM), advancing women both as customers and in workplaces
- Supports policymakers in building gender-inclusive financial systems, including a Tech Policy Learning Lab for inclusive digital finance and a Leadership Development Program for Regulators
- Produces research through the WWB Institute and the Economic Empowerment Barometer
History
Women's World Banking was founded in 1979 by Michaela Walsh, Esther Ocloo, Ela Bhatt, and Mary Okelo, inspired by the 1975 UN Women's Conference in Mexico City, which raised the question of women's access to financial services as a human right. Its 2024 impact report marked 45 years of impact.
Scale and impact
- As of Q2 2026, the organization reports having reached over 118 million women in emerging markets through its programs (counting women who can access new or enhanced financial products or services, plus those projected to benefit from policies and investments)
- Its global network comprised 74 member institutions as of January 1, 2026, spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa
- It works across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, alongside global policy engagement
Financials
Per its Form 990 on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer for the fiscal year ending December 2024, Women's World Banking Inc reported revenue of 18,758,138 dollars (69.3 percent from contributions), expenses of 21,217,451 dollars, and net assets of 36,756,536 dollars. The IRS issued the tax exemption for the current entity in November 2017 (EIN 82-2828138).
Governance
Per its most recent Form 990, Women's World Banking is led by President and CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian, with Janet Truncale serving as board chair.