NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

CGAP convenes FinEquity, a global community of practice dedicated to empowering women through financial inclusion. FinEquity Africa was created as a regional branch to promote equitable access to and use of financial services across Africa by accelerating knowledge generation, fostering best practices and encouraging sector collaboration in the region. FinEquity Africa is powered by regional knowledge partners Graça Machel Trust and the Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Network.  The regional hub is rapidly growing and reaches over 800 people.

In Africa, the intersection of social norms, gender dynamics, and climate change presents a complex landscape that significantly impacts financial inclusion for women. Social norms dictate the roles and responsibilities of women within their communities and households, often limiting their access to economic opportunities. Simultaneously, climate change amplifies existing vulnerabilities, disproportionately affecting women who are often responsible for securing food, water, and energy resources in their families. Recognizing these intersections is crucial for devising strategies that empower women economically, foster climate resilience, and challenge traditional gender norms.

The Creative Manufacturing and Handmade (CMH) ecosystem is a massive subset of India’s creative and cultural industries but falls squarely within the ‘informal’ or ‘unorganised’ economy. In this conversation, Priya Krishnamoorthy introduces and analyses the efforts of craft-led MSMEs who are increasingly building much-needed linkages with the first-mile communities – artisans and creative producers – by taking ‘New Formal’ approaches. Priya will share insights and findings from Business of Handmade – 1st Edition, a qualitative research study that explores informality through 12 formal, craft-led enterprises, and Business of Handmade – 2nd Edition – Financing a Handmade Revolution, a pioneering study that mapped the challenges and financing needs of 500+ craft-led, micro and small enterprises across India. The recently launched 2nd Edition also offers segmentation of craft-led enterprises and insights on the ideal financing fit for each enterprise segment. The talk aims to start a conversation on reimagining growth for India’s many craft-led enterprises.

Speaker bio: Priya Krishnamoorthy is an award-winning broadcast journalist, arts manager and impact strategist, passionate about bringing creativity and culture in conversation with sustainable development. Priya is the Founder and CEO of 200 Million Artisans (200M) an organisation focussed on bridging gaps in knowledge, networks and capital for craft-led, impact enterprises via collaborative projects and platforms.

Time: 7:30 AM ET