Welcome to our interview series featuring the CEMAC advisory panel. Each week, we’ll share insights from panelists on women's financial inclusion and consumer protection — and the role of public policy in creating better conditions within their regions.

This week, we’ll hear from Gislaine MAMPOUYA MACKIZA in Republic of Congo and Christian Richard ABIAGHE NGOMO in Gabon.

Gislaine MAMPOUYA MACKIZA has been working in the microfinance sector for over 15 years. She works on the development of financial products specifically for women (e.g., solidarity microcredit). She contribute to updates to a training module in financial management and savings for women. 

Christian Richard ABIAGHE NGOMO is involved in the "Revolt of Empty Baskets" advocacy campaign to increase household purchasing power. He is particularly focused on widows and orphans in Gabon. He also works to educate women and girls about financial empowerment opportunities. 

Question 1: What do you think are the most important barriers to financial inclusion for women in your region?  

Gislaine MAMPOUYA MACKIZA (GMM): Lack of information and training, high transaction costs, poor knowledge of technology, lack of financial and material guarantees are among the most important barriers in Republic of Congo.

Christian Richard ABIAGHE NGOMO (CRAN): In Gabon, access to information, the level of education, the level of income, the unsuitability of the financial offer to the needs of women, the lack of confidence in the formal system, the lack of civil status documents (especially in rural areas), the cost of opening an account, and the distance from the bank are all significant barriers.

Question 2: Why is consumer protection important, especially for women? 

GMM: Consumers must be equally protected regardless of gender. However, with a fairly high level of illiteracy, women need to be informed in the local language. Sensitization and financial education sessions should be organized for women. 

CRAN: Consumer protection helps to establish a relationship of trust between the bank and the customer through a role of watch, information, education, and representation within arbitration structures. 

Question 3. How can you effectively advocate for public policies and regulations that consider the needs of women? 

GMM: Present statistics on the financial inclusion of women and ask for specific policies and regulations. 

CRAN: I recommend that advocates:

1. Participate in the development and implementation of policies and regulations;  

2. Identify and create frameworks for collaboration with stakeholders: public institutions, financial services professionals, target audience (people benefiting from advocacy).  

3. Set up support mechanisms (training in the use of NICTs, efficient use of basic financial services, adaptability of offers to socio-economic needs, etc.).  

4. Networking of grassroots community organizations and women's cooperatives.

The next few months

As the Panel continues its work over the next few months, we hope to support the participants in translating their insights and experiences into work that can be taken up by public sector decision-makers. 

If you have ideas from how to improve women’s financial inclusion in the CEMAC region, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Authors

Alexis Ditkowsky