Ready for Growth : Solutions to Increase Access to Finance for Women-Owned Businesses in the Middle East and North Africa

World Bank

Washington, DC

关键词: ACCESS TO CAPITAL;    ACCESS TO FINANCE;    ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES;    ACCESS TO FINANCING;    ACCESS TO INFORMATION;   

RP-ID  :  78152

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA)region is at one of the most critical turning points in itsmodern history. The Arab spring was driven by the desire foreconomic opportunity and justice in the face of poverty andunemployment. The development of strong economies thatenable both women and men to enhance their livelihoods iscrucial for the future of the region. The growth and successof women-owned businesses is one of the most profoundchanges in the business world today. There is no doubt thatwomen are an emerging market force. However, manybusinesswomen are not accessing commercial credit, anessential driver of business success. Lack of access tofinance and financial services is repeatedly identified asthe major constraint for women business owners. This report'ready for growth: solutions to increase access tofinance for women-owned business in the Middle East andNorth Africa', is designed to shed a light on thosebarriers. It is the result of a unique International FinanceCorporation (IFC) partnership with vital voices and theMiddle East and North Africa Businesswomen's Network(MENA BWN). Its purpose is to fill a critical gap in ourknowledge of what women-owned businesses need in terms offinancial products and services. Building on our knowledgeof how commercial banks currently reach the women'smarket, this survey data can provide banks in MENA withinformation to better serve women business owners.