Gender

Savings Groups contribute towards women’s economic empowerment by expanding access to basic financial services and support networks. Savings Groups serve as a means for women in marginalized environments to smooth out uneven cash flows and become more resilient to shocks. There are no collateral, documentation or literacy requirements. And groups are located within proximity of members’ residences and businesses, essential for rural women with mobility constraints. 

Women represent about 80 percent of SG members worldwide and studies demonstrate that Savings Groups positively impact member income, savings, access to credit, asset accumulation, business investment, as well as women’s self-confidence, civic participation, and role in household decision-making. 

In combination with other interventions, Savings Groups can also constitute an integral component of gender transformative initiatives, changing gender norms and challenging gender inequality.