MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 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, reports show 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. Many women use their funds to invest in business and education, leading to better financial control and an improved quality of life.
From career growth to home life, here’s how three women bridged 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.
Ailyn’s sari-sari store is proof that a little capital, managed wisely, goes a long way. She transformed her loan into a sustainable livelihood, opening doors to greater stability.
“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 gave her greater financial stability and peace of mind.
Strategic Mom Mitch
As a single mother, Mitch’s journey 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 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.
A strategic mom with big dreams, Mitch’s journey reflects unwavering self-belief. Paired with resilience and hard work, she is now living a life no longer bound by financial stress.
“Tala was the first thing that came to mind to help me reach my goal,” Mitch said. 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 loan for groceries as she established her sari-sari store from the ground up and supplemented her income by transporting goods across Manila Bay via boat.
Opportunities are not just found, they are built. Through her resourcefulness and determination, Berla stands as a symbol of what women can achieve when given the chance.
“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 continues its mission of expanding access to financial opportunities, helping women move from borrowing credit toward long-term stability for themselves and their families.
As more women take charge of their financial journeys, stories like these show what becomes possible with the right support and determination.
