About
The Menaye Finance Initiative is a targeted campaign designed to address the significant challenge of bridging the gender gap in business financing faced by women-led SMEs, particularly in low-income countries. Despite the recognised importance of bank finance for the growth and success of SMEs globally, research shows a substantial disparity between the demand for such financing and the supply offered by traditional financial institutions. This initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs in Ghana with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of financial services. By improving financial literacy, the campaign equips women with the tools to make informed decisions about traditional and non-traditional forms of financing for their businesses, ultimately aiming to reduce the current financing gap.
We believe all women entrepreneurs deserve the financial literacy and business knowledge to make informed decisions and drive sustainable growth.
Our Mission
Advancing financial literacy and business knowledge among women entrepreneurs to foster informed financial decision-making and sustainable growth.
Our Vision
Envisioning a future where women entrepreneurs in low-income countries are empowered with the financial literacy and business acumen needed to innovate, thrive, and lead sustainable enterprises.
Why Menaye
Hear my name
The Menaye Finance Initiative is named after the Fante word “Menaye,” which means “My mother is good.” This name highlights our belief in women's transformative power as essential contributors to economic growth and societal development. Our initiative recognises that women play multiple critical roles — as caregivers, educators, and economic agents —foundational to the well-being of families and the broader community.
Historically, development policies have increasingly acknowledged that enabling women’s economic and social development has profound impacts, extending beyond individual families to whole communities and nations. When women have the necessary resources, education, and opportunities, they are more likely to invest in their families’ health, education, and prosperity, fuelling community and economic development.
The Menaye Finance Initiative seeks to address and support eliminating disparities in economic opportunities and financial literacy among women. By enhancing women’s economic capabilities and providing them access to critical financial knowledge and tools, we empower individual women and catalyse broader social and economic benefits.
