Women's autonomy, a priority for the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation

Economic development requires supporting women's entrepreneurial activities. Their income independence is a key factor in reducing gender inequality worldwide.

With 77,000 women served among the active clients of its partner institutions, compared to the sector average of less than 50,000, the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation stands out as a committed player. This has been a choice it has made since its inception. It continues to do so today: approximately one-third of the institutions in its portfolio specifically target women.

Zhanna B. Zhakupova, Managing Director of Asian Credit Fund, a microfinance organization supported by the Foundation in Kazakhstan, said: “We know that women reinvest more than 90% of their income into their families and children’s education. Therefore, the more women engage in economic activities, even small ones, the more families in Kazakhstan will be able to achieve a decent standard of living. This reality is at the heart of ACF. Since 1997, we have supported more than 100,000 women by providing them with access to credit and training to start and grow their own businesses.”

Find out more here: Annual Report 2017

_________________________________

Created in 2008, under the joint leadership of Crédit Agricole SA's management and Professor Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank, the Grameen Crédit Agricole SA Foundation is a multi-sector operator that contributes to the fight against poverty through financial inclusion and social impact entrepreneurship. As an investor, lender, technical assistance coordinator, and fund advisor, the Foundation supports microfinance institutions and social enterprises in nearly 40 countries.