ReFinD researchers and project team members participated in the international conference “Access to Agency: Empowering Women through Digital Inclusion”, engaging in thematic discussions and hosting an exhibition that showcased the initiative’s latest research and activities. Organised by the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), the event provided an opportunity for ReFinD to share insights and deepen engagement with stakeholders in the financial inclusion ecosystem.
Several members of the ReFinD community actively contributed to the conference dialogue, offering perspectives grounded in the initiative’s overarching research focus on agent networks. Notably, ReFinD Executive Director, Prof. Peter Quartey, chaired the session “Women’s Use of Smartphones – Expanding Access, Enhancing Autonomy” and presented findings from the study “Digital Financial Inclusion and Women’s Economic Empowerment in Northern Ghana: The Experience of Rural Women in the Shea Value Chain.” His presentation highlighted how rural women are leveraging mobile money and agent networks to enhance their economic agency and participation in the shea industry.
ReFinD’s exhibition booth attracted strong interest from attendees eager to explore innovations in agent network design and deployment. The showcase served as a touchpoint for conversations around inclusive financial systems and the practical application of research findings.
ReFinD’s exhibition booth attracted strong interest from attendees eager to explore innovations in agent network design and deployment. The showcase served as a touchpoint for conversations around inclusive financial systems and the practical application of research findings.
Held from July 2–3, 2025, in Accra, the conference convened leading academics, industry leaders, and policy makers from Ghana and around the world. It provided a valuable opportunity for the ReFinD team to engage with global and local actors, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues for collaboration -- further reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion and gender-responsive financial systems.