Issue: Poverty is not gender-equal. Access to finance is an issue that has implications for women in many different regards. The notion of micro finance is usually associated with female entrepreneurs.

Solution: Why don't think bigger and ask for macro finance for women in trade? More resources should be allocated to female entrepreneurs (in LMICs but also beyond) and to programs supporting access for women to financial means. This needs to be closely monitored.

Who should act? International organizations like WTO but also national governments, trade associations etc can establish female macro financing programs. On the local level also civil society actors and NGOs should be involved to monitor progress in these programs.