An introductory webinar for financial institutions on joining the WE Finance Code was held in Ukraine. The initiative is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The webinar partners included the National Association of Banks of Ukraine, the Association of Ukrainian Banks, and the National Association of Credit Unions of Ukraine.
The event brought together more than 70 participants, including representatives of 22 banks, 7 non-bank financial institutions, 16 credit unions, as well as banking associations, government bodies, and international partners.The WE Finance Code is a global, multi-stakeholder initiative being implemented in over 30 countries worldwide. It brings together financial service providers, regulators, and other ecosystem players around a shared commitment: expanding access to finance for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises. Signatories make a voluntary pledge to take coordinated action, improving how women-led businesses are supported and financed, enabling them to grow and contribute to economic development and resilience.
This is particularly relevant for Ukraine, which is currently operating in the context of war. Women entrepreneurs are becoming a key economic force: 61% of new individual entrepreneurs are women, 34% of companies are led by women, - a significant untapped economic potential.
“Today, women in Ukraine are one of the driving forces of the economy. Therefore, without equal access to finance, there will be no equal opportunities — and, consequently, the country will not be able to realise its full economic potential.,” said Daria Marchak, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
During the webinar, it was emphasized that financial institutions must not only respond to change but also shape a new economic reality.
“Without equal access to financial resources, it is impossible to build a resilient financial system. We already see financial institutions taking steps to expand access to finance, and the role of the National Bank is to support, coordinate, and strengthen these efforts for Ukraine’s economic development,” said Pervin Dadashova, Director of the Financial Stability Department of the National Bank of Ukraine.
The WE Finance Code encourages institutions to act across three key areas: leadership — appointing responsible leaders within institutions, data — collecting and reporting sex-disaggregated data, and action — developing financial and non-financial products for women.
“At the EBRD, we firmly believe in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economies. Women entrepreneurs are a powerful force in that endeavour, but they must be visible: to policymakers, financial institutions, and the market. Access to finance can be the deciding factor in whether a business starts, grows, and reaches its full potential. And that is what the WE Finance Code sets out to do, leveraging data and uniting committed institutions to deliver coordinated, evidence‑based support for women entrepreneurs.” said Arthur Poghosyan, Deputy Head of Ukraine Financial Institutions, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
This data-driven approach enables stakeholders to better understand the market, identify barriers, and design effective solutions.
During the webinar, the process of joining the WE Finance Code was presented, including signing a Letter of Intent. To become part of the first cohort of signatories in Ukraine, interested institutions are encouraged to sign up before April 30, 2026.
Please send applications to two email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected].