Women Banking & Empowerment | Frankfurt School

Access to Finance, Markets and Knowledge

We attach great importance to the promotion of underserved segments such as women, youth and refugee entrepreneurs worldwide by delivering numerous programmes. These programmes include training, consultancy, capacity building activities, policy development as well as large-scale research and studies on these beneficiary groups in general and women/youth-owned/led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in particular.

Our tailor-made approach addresses the needs of women, youth and refugees to access finance, markets and knowledge building. It is based on the principle of gender and social equity to ensure that everyone (e.g. customers of partner financial institutions) get what (s)he needs.

Tailor-made Approach

Gender and youth focused assignments are very diverse in terms of programme objectives. Through our tailor-made approach, we help our stakeholders in a holistic manner and propose support in the areas that we believe will contribute most to the institution`s successful operations.

We know that in order for the financing support to make an impact, it is important that it reaches the targeted youth, which is not a single, homogenous group. The needs, challenges and behaviour of youth-led businesses vary significantly depending on many factors including age, own/inherited capital, gender, socio-economic & socio-cultural position, motivation, networks and sector of operation, among others. Through our tailor-made approach, we help financial institutions develop relevant financial products and services that will contribute most to the institution`s successful operations as well as the targeted community.

Change Management

Changing perceptions and attitudes towards gender and age diversity is a journey, which requires time and investment. Developing successful women and youth market programmes starts with building awareness on gender and age diversity within an institution. With our dedicated measures such as strategy advice, training and coaching programmes we are supporting financial institutions along this path.

Portfolio-disaggregated data

The continuous collection and analysis of disaggregated portfolio data is of utmost importance for any institution which aims to provide targeted value propositions for the different client segments. We support institutions in the adequate set up of disaggregated data and provide ICT support to continuously track the impact on the institution`s operational level.

Innovation

In all our programs, we advocate for an ecosystem approach for youth and women-led businesses. We design and implement innovative approaches at different levels, including:

Financial Institutions: we develop sustainable products targeted at the relevant beneficiary group, applying innovative delivery channels, digital technologies and FinTech solutions
Women/Youth/Refugee Clients: we use appropriate tools to enhance leadership, knowledge and access to markets; and,
Policy & Regulatory Levels: we introduce different tools/approaches to enhance the exchange of information and to build an enabling environment for the relevant beneficiary groups