Savings-Led Working Group Newsletter July - September 2019

SLWG WORKPLACE Connect with Your Fellow Members SEEP is delighted to announce the launch of the SLWG Workplace , a new platform for improved communication and collaboration between members. Sign up, expand your professional network, and tap into a global community of technical specialists in Savings Groups. Join Now

ANNUAL MEETING Join us on October 21 at 1:30 - 6:00 PM (EDT) Come prepared to discuss our strategic priorities and activities for the upcoming year. The agenda will also include an opportunity for members to share their experience, innovations, challenges, research or publications. If you are interested in contributing to this meeting, please let us know . Register Now

SG2020: THE FUTURE OF SAVINGS GROUPS Accepting Session Proposals for SG2020

We invite experienced SG practitioners to propose a dynamic and interactive Peer Learning Session, highlighting lessons learned, innovations and challenges related to one of the conference’s four Technical Tracks . Are you preparing a session proposal? Explore ideas and connect with potential speakers on the SLWG Workplace .

View Request for Proposals

LEARN WITH SEEP: RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Savings Groups and Consumer Protection SEEP's learning series on Savings Groups and consumer protection - in partnership with FSD Africa, Arora Associates and Catholic Relief Services - examines the main risks faced by Savings Groups and their members, as well as risk mitigation strategies of regulatory authorities, development organizations, communities and groups themselves.

An Empirical Risk Assessment of Savings Groups By Ashley Wheaton, The SEEP Network Savings Groups and Consumer Protection: Government Regulation, Rules and Guidelines By Sukhwinder Arora and Ian Robinson, Arora Associates Savings Groups and Consumer Protection: Risk Mitigation through Community-Based Structures By Benjamin S. Allen, Ph.D., and marc bavois, Catholic Relief Services Savings Groups and Consumer Protection: How Savings Groups Responded to Insecurity and Theft in Madagascar By marc bavois and Benjamin S. Allen, Ph.D., Catholic Relief Services

Women's Empowerment and Savings Groups

In partnership with SEEP, Nathan Associates has examined the pathways between Savings Groups and women’s empowerment, showcased in a video and publications below. The series includes good practices for SG program design and monitoring to enhance the lives of women.

Women's Empowerment and Savings Groups: What Do We Know? Women's Empowerment and Savings Groups: Monitoring and Results Measurement Toolkit

LEARN WITH SEEP: WEBINAR SPOTLIGHT

Savings Groups and Social Protection Programs as a Pathway to Formal Financial Inclusion

Opportunities and Challenges for Youth Financial Inclusion in Africa

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Based in South Africa, SaveAct facilitates the formation of savings and credit groups in rural communities to fight poverty, provide a foundation for sustainable livelihoods, and empower women and other vulnerable groups. SaveAct’s unique model intentionally combines SGs with livelihoods assistance in the form of entrepreneurship training, training in agricultural commodities, and links to value chains. It also promotes an improved ecosystem for SGs by facilitating access to financial and non-financial services through digital solutions and by linking members to one another for enhanced cohesion and support. SaveAct’s latest program report is now available on the Mango Tree .

WHAT WE'RE READING Equal is Greater - the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s global framework for advancing women’s economic empowerment By the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Women’s Savings Groups for Better Reproductive Health in Bénin By Allison Bardsley and Bobbi Gray, Grameen Foundation Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Program Global Results Report By CARE Webinar: User Experience and Financial Service Design Hosted by Savings at the Frontier

UPCOMING EVENTS SMDP – South Africa | Savings Group Program Design, Implementation Management, and Management Information System August 26 - September 6 | Course | The Carsey School of Public Policy, University of New Hampshire What Does Consumer Protection Mean for Savings Groups? September 10 | Webinar | The SEEP Network Sa-Dhan National Conference 2019 September 19 | Conference | Sa-Dhan Banking on the Last-Mile October 1-3 | Conference | eLearn Center 2019 SEEP Annual Conference October 21-23 | Conference | The SEEP Network Measuring Women's Empowerment through Savings Groups: What Do We Really Know? October 23 | Training | Nathan Associates

For the latest news, events and resources, visit the Mango Tree – the global resource on Savings Groups.

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