Tanzania Narrows the Financial Inclusion Gender Gap: A case study of policy change to support women’s financial inclusion

Policymakers and central bankers have a leading role to play in creating a more enabling environment to expand women’s financial inclusion. A recent discussion paper by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) and Women’s World Banking, Policy Frameworks to Support Women’s Financial Inclusion, makes a compelling argument for women’s financial inclusion and provides seven key recommendations for policymakers and central bankers. The report presents evidence that policy measures to increase financial inclusion need to be country-specific, based on each country’s gender gap and specific challenges and opportunities. To eliminate the persistent gender gap and expand access to financial services for both women and men, policies should be adapted and integrated in national financial inclusion strategies and other policy initiatives. AFI and Women’s World Banking conducted this case study to examine the experience of Tanzania, where there are promising approaches to gender-focused financial inclusion policies.