Model and Strategy
Gender-diverse organizations perform better. According to McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15 percent more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. Women's World Banking also finds that gender diverse institutions are better equipped to serve low-income women.
The Women in Leadership with Sponsorship program helps chart a path for promising women leaders in institutions working toward women’s financial inclusion in emerging economies. The program equips participants with the confidence and skills to manage challenges, advocate for their own advancement, and affect positive change within their workplaces. At the same time, the program shows senior-level sponsors the value of gender diversity and the payoff of championing women’s advancement and success.
Impact
When institutional leaders better understand the business case for women’s financial inclusion, invest in building critical leadership and team management capabilities, and invest in the development of diverse high-potential leaders, there is a ripple effect beyond the individual to the team, the organization, and ultimately the end beneficiary – low-income women. Leaders that attend Women's World Banking’s trainings report an improved leadership approach and better critical thinking and decision-making abilities. They say their teams generate new ideas, are more creative and motivated, and that they are better at listening and allowing others to reach their potential. Institutions benefit because they enhance capabilities and commitment to advance critical strategies and to build talent. Finally, they say that their clients will ultimately benefit from more, and better, products and services that build their awareness, service, satisfaction and access. The ultimate multiplier effect comes when women are financially included. Research shows that when a woman controls her own finances, she invests in the health, nutrition, and education of her family. She has greater confidence and greater engagement in civic and political processes. Her empowerment and investments drive long-term, inter-generational change in her community, and can have a profound impact on overall economic growth.
Leadership
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Mary Ellen Iskenderian
President & CEO