There's Nothing Micro about a Billion Women

“In her book, Mary Ellen Iskenderian reminds us to ask where our bank finance flows and how much is used for building unequal wealth or destructive institutions that harm humans and the natural environment. How do we promote 'nurturing finance' that eliminates violence and inequalities and brings peace to the people and society? Women's financial inclusion, with its focus on the community rather than the individual, is part of the answer.”

Ela Bhatt, founder of India's Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA)

“Mary Ellen Iskenderian makes a persuasive case for why giving women access to financial services will transform their lives and their societies. This book combines inspiring stories, rigorous evidence, and decades of wisdom from working on financial inclusion. A great read that will make you feel hopeful about the transformative power of finance for women.”

Minouche Shafik, Director, London School of Economics; author of What We Owe Each Other

A comprehensive look at how to bring more women into the global financial system... The book's holistic approach to financial inclusion—addressing insurance along with the ability to save and borrow and drawing connections between financial empowerment and gender-based violence—adds a valuable layer to the discussion and expands on the existing literature... An engaging and wide-ranging look at new developments in banking access.

Kirkus Reviews

Drawing on years of professional investment banking experience, Iskenderian's thought-provoking business guide walks readers through the obstacles to inclusion and financial independence that women often face... Iskenderian offers a call-to-action for governments and financial institutions to make policies and products that better serve the needs of low-income women and women-owned businesses, especially in developing nations.

BookLife

There's Nothing Micro about a Billion Women offers real-life examples, case studies, and research that demonstrate how stakeholders can come together to create a more gender-inclusive financial system, which would deeply affect the lives of many women around the world—and communities and economies—for the better.

Philanthropy News Digest