Recognizing that aspiring businesswomen are often prevented from realizing their economic potential, the IFC is committed to creating opportunities for women in business. The gender program aims to mainstream gender issues into IFC's work, while helping to better leverage the untapped potential of women as well as men in emerging markets.

IFC provides financial products and advisory services to:

• increase access to finance for women entrepreneurs
• reduce gender-based barriers in the business environment
• improve the sustainability of IFC investment projects.

Recent Highlights

Voices of Women Entrepreneurs in Rwanda
IFC and the Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs has released a report that reveals the extent of female participation in the private sector and their growing leadership role in Rwanda's development. The new report, Voices of Women Entrepreneurs in Rwanda, provides new information on how policymakers can support women in business.

Download the publication [PDF]: English | Français



Women Entrepreneurs Get Increasing Support From Banks
IFC and the Global Banking Alliance for Women (GBA) recently met in London for the alliance's 8^th annual summit. Participants discussed ways to promote increased access to finance for women entrepreneurs. According to GBA, supporting women entrepreneurs leads to greater economic growth in developing countries. IFC has served as the alliance's secretariat since 2005. Full story »