Jennifer Riria, banking chief: Financial system still excludes women

About this episode

Dr Jennifer Riria discusses her mission to improve financial services for women in Africa.

“Most of Africa is rural, and although urbanisation is taking root now, the systems that deliver financial services to women are still eluding them.” Leanna Byrne speaks to microfinance pioneer Dr Jennifer Riria about her life, career, and personal mission to improve the lives of women in some of Africa’s poorest communities. Having started life in a poor, rural village in Kenya, Dr Riria worked her way up to develop and run one of the biggest microfinance institutions for women in Africa. Microfinance is a banking service providing small loans and more, to people with low income who might lack access to traditional banking. It’s aimed at fostering self-sufficiency, financial education, and entrepreneurship in developing areas. Her focus is not limited to finance. She also draws on her experiences of teaching at university, and consulting for UNICEF, the UN children’s aid agency, in order to progress women’s development in education and leadership. Thank you to the Business Daily team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with…

People in this episode

Host: Leanna Byrne

Guest: Dr Jennifer Riria

Topics covered

• microfinance
• women's empowerment
• financial inclusion
• education
• leadership
• Africa

Keywords

• microfinance
• women
• financial services
• Africa
• education
• leadership
• UNICEF

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UNICEF

Places: Kenya, Africa

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