Blog by Elizabeth Peterson, Soroptimist of the Americas North Atlantic Region Governor, Connecticut Shoreline Club.
Inclusive Finance and Digital Justice for Women
UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), 17 March 2026; panel moderated by Simone Castillo with speakers from 3B IMPACT, Athletes United for Peace, NYC Bar Association, and CHIP
This workshop emphasised that advancing women’s economic power requires more than isolated programs. It demands a fully developed ecosystem that connects individuals, institutions, and communities. Too often, women’s economic challenges are framed as issues of social support rather than structural economic development. In reality, the barriers women face, such as receiving less than 3% of global venture capital, reflect deep infrastructure gaps, not a lack of talent or ambition.
A central theme was the need to invest in coordinated financial infrastructure. Many women are forced to make high-stakes financial decisions without mentorship or access to trusted advisors, such as accountants, wealth planners and financial professionals. Building long-term wealth should not be an individual burden; instead, institutions must take responsibility for creating systems that enable women to generate, sustain, and transfer wealth across generations. Strong networks rather than isolated efforts are essential to this process, linking entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and community resources.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of shifting from charitable aid to economic sovereignty. Women, particularly in marginalised communities, are not just recipients of support but primary drivers of community resilience and economic stability. Supporting women in business strengthens entire societies by rebuilding the social fabric and fostering independence. Legal frameworks must evolve to ensure women can operate profitable businesses, while storytelling and shared experiences help surface both the vulnerabilities and strengths within these communities.
Technology emerged as a powerful tool for change. Digital systems ,especially the innovations such as blockchain technology, offer new pathways for financial inclusion, particularly for unbanked populations. Blockchain-based systems can function like secure, portable financial records, enabling individuals to maintain identity, credit history, and assets even in situations of migration or conflict. Similarly, digital IDs can act as “economic passports”, preserving legal and financial identity when traditional documentation is lost.
At the same time, participants stressed the importance of education and caution. While decentralised financial systems and cryptocurrencies can expand access, they also carry risks, especially for those without adequate financial literacy or internet access. Expanding broadband infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to technology are therefore critical steps toward inclusion.
The role of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, was also explored as a means to increase efficiency and agency. AI can help automate routine administrative tasks, analyse sales data, and support better business decision-making. However, data literacy is essential to fully leverage these tools and remain competitive in evolving markets.
Ultimately, meaningful change requires collective, incremental action. Systems must be redesigned to expand access to capital, strengthen digital infrastructure, and foster inclusive participation in economic and civic life. From grassroots organising to global innovation, empowering women economically is not just about fairness. It is about building resilient, thriving societies where the next generation does not have to build from scratch.
