A gender finance gap for women entrepreneurs remains systemic in the Philippines, according to a report published by Japan-based Sasakawa Peace Foundation. 

Women own the majority of micro, small and medium companies in the Philippines.

Microfinance has become increasingly common for women borrowers, but they face barriers towards accessing finance beyond that. 

Women entrepreneurs rely heavily on personal savings and borrowing from friends and family, or sales to finance their business in the early years of operation.

A third accessed extra finance such as business loans. Only ten percent of women have access to grants from philanthropic institutions.      

Research conducted by the Japanese foundation found that women entrepreneurs remain underrepresented in all levels of the financial system.   

In collaboration with Villgro Philippines and Investing in Women and the Gender Impact Investing Council (GIIC) Philippines, Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s latest research aims to highlight the potential for gender lens investing in the Philippines.  

Investors are increasingly keen on supporting women through a gender lens. The research suggests financing gaps can be addressed in bringing a collaborative spirit across different actors. 

Shafi Musaddique is the news editor at Alliance Magazine.