Webinar 1: From Bystanders to Allies – Beyond the Business Case

This opening session will explore practical strategies for engaging power holders—including men—in advancing gender-responsive financial inclusion. Recognizing that sustained change requires the active engagement of those in positions of influence, the session will delve into building meaningful allyship—especially among men—and fostering shared ownership of gender equality goals. It will unpack the “invisible” barriers, such as structural constraints, cultural norms, and institutional dynamics, that limit progress toward inclusive financial systems. A focus will be placed on understanding how unconscious bias operates in policies and services, and how to address it constructively.

A key feature of the session is the emphasis on co-creating solutions with power holders, moving beyond framing inclusion as a zero-sum game. Through interactive dialogue and practical examples, the webinar will explore ways to overcome resistance and engage men not only as allies, but as active contributors and beneficiaries of more inclusive systems.

Participants will gain concrete insights on how to frame gender-responsive financial inclusion in ways that resonate with institutional leaders, align with broader strategic goals, and build a sense of shared accountability and benefit. This session is designed for financial institutions, regulators, and development practitioners committed to fostering inclusive financial systems.