"The role of women in our region's economy is key to social and productive development, which is why, as the Central American Integration Bank, we are committed to continuing to promote initiatives that support women's empowerment and economic autonomy, as contemplated in our Institutional Strategy 2020-2024", said CABEI Executive President Dr. Dante Mossi.

In support of the growth and modernization of women-led enterprises in the region, CABEI has benefited a total of 6,024 women through its FEM program, with the placement of more than US$30.9 million in financing channeled through 12 Instituciones Financieras Intermediarias (IFIs), to promote their businesses.

"The strength with which women develop their businesses to contribute to their families is admirable, since 52% of the financing disbursed under this initiative went to women who wanted to start a business, while 36% went to women-owned businesses", and more than 50% of the women in these businesses were employees", said Dante Mossi.

Another key initiative with a gender equality focus is the Financial Sector Support Facility for MSMEs affected by COVID-19, which, since its implementation in 2020, has protected more than 22,000 women's jobs and impacted more than 3,200 women-led businesses through the placement of more than US$45 million in loans, and more than US$5 million was backed by the guarantee fund with resources from UN Women.

The credits channeled through the Financial Sector Support Facility for MSMEs affected by COVID-19 were used to retain and rehire personnel, as well as to promote and generate new jobs in sectors such as hotel and tourism, agrifood production, commerce, services and media, construction and renewable energy, among others.

With these efforts, CABEI supports female entrepreneurship in order to continue promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the region, fostering the growth and capitalization of MSMEs.

Translated by: A.M