Over the last decade, the Philippines has successfully halved its gender gap in formal account ownership. Yet, the digital divide remains persistent and women are still being left behind. As the economy shifts, the Atlantic Council report reveals that only 59% of Filipino women have used mobile money compared to 71% of men. This isn’t just about access; it’s about the lack of financial services women need to truly thrive.
As a financial infrastructure company for the global majority, Tala believes that financial inclusion starts with narrowing the gender gap. With a community that is 62% female, Tala empowers women by providing access to credit that can spark lifelong progress. These women were able to use their funds to invest in business and education growth, leading to better financial control and an overall higher quality of life.
From career growth to home life, see how Tala helped three women bridge the gap between limited access and lasting financial stability.:
Mom-preneur Ailyn
Faced with her husband’s sudden illness, Ailyn, a caregiver student from Cagayan de Oro, turned a family crisis into an opportunity for growth. With the help of Tala, she started a small food stall to cover medical bills and daily expenses, and later on expanded into a sari-sari store. Through hard work, she balances motherhood and business, proving that stay-at-home moms can also become breadwinners.
“I used the loan wisely to keep the capital rolling. Even if I’m a housewife taking care of my children, I still want to have my own income,” she shared. Now, Ailyn has moved beyond paycheck to paycheck, and her steady income enabled her to save for her children’s academic future. Her sari-sari store doesn’t just pay the bills; it empowered her to embrace a comfortable life without financial limits.
Strategic Mom Mitch
As a single mother, Mitch’s journey with Tala began with covering basic needs such as household essentials and staying on top of bills. But her heart was set on something bigger, going from renting their space to purchasing a home of their own. She consistently built her credit standing with Tala and was able to secure the additional funds needed to push through with the purchase, all while maintaining the freedom to be present for every moment of her children’s lives.
“Tala was the first thing that came to mind to help me reach my goal,” Mitch said. Because of her trust in Tala and unwavering belief in her vision, Mitch turned a house into a dream home, DIY-ing, cultivating a garden, and giving her children the comfort of their own rooms.
Smart Hustler Berla
In the face of a challenging job market, Berla from Baseco, Manila, decided to carve her own path by launching a business through Tala’s support. She relied on her Tala loan for groceries as she established her sari-sari store from the ground up and supplements her income by transporting goods across Manila Bay via boat.
“I can’t just rely on the store alone as a single stream of income,” Berla explained. For her, not getting accepted into traditional doors was not a dead end. Instead, she saw rejection as an invitation to innovate. “If I can’t get hired in any field, then I’ll just have to make my own opportunity,” she asserted. Her words to those with big aspirations: trust your abilities and always give your best effort. You’ll never know what’s possible unless you take that first step.
Beyond Women’s Month, Tala’s mission to empower women goes all year round by providing equal access to opportunities. It prides itself for reshaping financial futures, helping women move from borrowing credit to building wealth, and enabling them to become their best versions for their family, community, and for their own self.
Tala is also investing in women’s financial education through its financial literacy program, TALAkayan, guiding mothers, women, and entrepreneurs in better money management to achieve their financial goals. Tala launched a digital series available on Tala Philippines’ social media pages, complete with tools and knowledge that they can use to achieve financial independence.
As Filipinos’ trusted partner for growth, discover how Tala can help you transform your life between where you are and where you want to be. Just like Ailyn, Berla, and Mitch, inspiring figures who have planted the seed and grown with Tala, we invite you to take the lead in your financial journey and join Tala’s global community of empowered women.