Strengthening women's leadership and climate resilience within microfinance institutions: a new step towards the revival of Haitian MSMEs

As part of the Revival of Haitian MSMEs project, and in partnership with HEC Montréal's IDEOS Social Impact Hub, we are implementing a series of initiatives designed to strengthen the resilience, performance and competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Haiti. These initiatives target businesses run by women and young people, key players in the country's economic and social recovery.

One component of the project focused on the role of professional women within Haitian microfinance institutions (MFIs). A diagnostic study carried out with the support of HEC Montréal's IDEOS Social Impact Hub provided an overview of their situation, the challenges they face in terms of integration and progress, and the levers they need to activate to enhance their impact.

The analysis revealed three main barriers to the integration of women into MFIs:

• Limited access to education and training;
• Persistent socio-cultural norms and stereotypes;
• Organizational policies that are often not very inclusive.

Added to this is the challenge of integrating climate risks into financial practices.

Mentoring as a lever for reinforcement

Based on these findings, a training program was designed and implemented in collaboration with HEC Montréal's IDEOS Social Impact Hub. The aim is to encourage the emergence of feminine leadership, while building the capacity of MFI teams to deal with environmental and technical issues.

Launched in pilot mode on May 10, 2025 in the South and North regions, the first training module brought together 125 women and 52 men from different financial institutions. Sessions were organized in single-sex groups to encourage free expression and enriching exchanges. Three additional training blocks were subsequently rolled out, with more to follow in the coming months.  

Based on feedback from participants, the workshops held to date have helped to break taboos, build confidence and envisage better collaboration between genders, both professionally and strategically.

Through this initiative, DID reaffirms its commitment to economic inclusion, gender equality and climate resilience. By helping MFIs to become more open and aware of their role in sustainable development, the Revival of Haitian MSMEs project creates the conditions for lasting change, for a stronger, fairer and more resilient Haitian economy.

This project is financed by Global Affairs Canada and carried out in collaboration with the Haitian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, HEC Montréal's IDEOS Social Impact Hub and several Haitian organizations