Over 70 million people have been displaced due to conflict, persecution or war. When we think of those who have been forcibly displaced—whether they are refugees, asylum seekers or internally displaced people—we often think of their lack of footing within their home or country. But we rarely think about how they contend with financial exclusion. How can displaced populations cultivate a financial role outside of their communities or countries? And what can they do to ensure that they are not resigned to a life of outside formal economies, specifically women?

UNCDF’s Pamela Eser shares insights, lessons and challenges from her experience in one of the most difficult areas of economic development. She also shares how modern solutions like digital financial tools, coupled with traditional solutions like savings groups, have been effective in advancing financial inclusion for displaced people residing in some of the most difficult areas in the world.

Capital Musings is a production of the Partnerships, Policy and Communications unit of the United Nations Capital Development Fund and UN Web TV.

Producers: Victoria Guridi, Carlos Macias and Fernando Zarauz