Skip to main content

Sustainable Microfinance to Empower Rural Women

With IDB Invest’s support, Caja Huancayo is helping to transform rural Peru by driving economic growth in remote communities.

Recolectora de café en su finca

 

Caja Huancayo, a prominent microfinance institution in Peru, is dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and sustainability, particularly in rural areas. 

As a critical player in Peru's Municipal Savings and Credit System, Caja Huancayo provides essential financing to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income populations, helping to bridge the financing gap in remote regions.

A recent case study by the advisory firm Cefeidas Group, shows how Caja Huancayo, with the support of IDB Invest, has been instrumental in promoting sustainable finance projects tailored to the needs of rural MSMEs.

Initiatives such as solar-powered coffee roasteries and solar water heaters have been implemented to enhance the productivity and sustainability of these enterprises. 

Caja Huancayo helps rural businesses reduce costs and improve their environmental footprint by providing access to innovative and eco-friendly technologies.

 

Women Empowerment

Financial education is a cornerstone of Caja Huancayo’s strategy to empower rural women. 

The institution actively promotes financial literacy in schools and women's organizations, equipping women with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively. 


Related Content


This focus on education empowers women and contributes to the overall economic development of rural communities.

IDB Invest has played a crucial role in enhancing Caja Huancayo’s corporate governance. 

Through a US$16 million subordinated loan convertible into equity, IDB Invest has provided technical assistance to align Caja Huancayo’s governance practices with international standards. 

 

A Scalable Model

This partnership has improved board dynamics, increased transparency, and strengthened compliance and ethics programs, positioning Caja Huancayo as a model for other microfinance institutions.

Caja Huancayo’s efforts have been recognized globally. In 2022, it earned the IFC's Global SME Finance Award for its outstanding role in financing MSMEs. 


JOIN A COMMUNITY OF 40,000 DEVELOPMENT LEADERS 
GET THE LATEST ON OUR PROJECTS AND KNOWLEDGE
NEWSLETTER SUSCRIPTION

 


As the institution continues to innovate and lead in the microfinance sector, its commitment to rural development and sustainability, supported by IDB Invest, sets a benchmark for others.

Caja Huancayo’s journey exemplifies how strategic initiatives and a focus on ethical practices can drive impactful change, fostering long-term development and financial inclusion in rural Peru.

Authors

IDB Invest

Like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), our commitment is to economic growth and social inclusion; that is central to our identity as part of

Gender

Related Posts

  • Mujer y equipo científico en una prueba de análisis sanitario
    Addressing gender-based violence from the private sector: the experience of Laboratorios Bagó

    Francisco Méndez, CEO of the pharmaceutical company, shares his company's efforts and achievements in fostering an inclusive and safe work environment.

  • Young women from Miches attend a workshop
    How Responsible Investments Can Empower Young Women and Girls in Miches While Boosting Tourism

    In partnership with Fundación Tropicalia, IDB Invest fosters a more inclusive and sustainable growth path in the Dominican Republic by focusing on their untapped potential.

  • Una mujer en una instalación industrial
    A Few Very Good Reasons to Protect the Integrity of Gender Bonds

    Latin America and the Caribbean has become a leading region in gender bond issuance aimed at bolstering women’s empowerment. These instruments offer a promising capital market solution to mobilize funds towards projects that help accelerate parity.