Women from marginalised communities face significant economic barriers, including a gender gap in financial inclusion that stands at 27% globally, with disparities even higher in ASEAN countries ([1]), including limited access to financial services, entrepreneurial networks, and sustainable employment. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, gender parity in economic participation remains decades away without systemic change ([1]).

Yet, investing in marginalised women is not just a social obligation—it is an economic opportunity. Companies with gender-diverse leadership see 25% higher profitability, while inclusive business models drive stronger economic resilience ([2]). However, systemic inequalities continue to prevent marginalised women from accessing funding, business networks, and leadership opportunities.

The Backlash Against DEI and Why Inclusion Still Matters

With Donald Trump back in office as U.S. president in 2025, the political climate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has intensified. Trump’s administration has openly criticised DEI, reversing many corporate-backed initiatives and withdrawing federal support for inclusion-based programmes. This has emboldened some businesses to roll back their commitments to gender equity and minority economic empowerment.

While these changes reflect shifting political sentiment, economic data continues to demonstrate that inclusion remains a powerful driver of growth. Research has consistently shown that companies prioritising gender diversity achieve higher financial returns, improved risk management, and greater long-term resilience. A McKinsey report found that firms ranking in the top quartile for gender diversity were significantly more likely to outperform their competitors ([3]).

“Economic empowerment of women is not just a moral imperative—it is an economic necessity. Companies that invest in diverse leadership and financial inclusion for women consistently outperform those that do not,” says Melinda French Gates, Founder of Pivotal Ventures and former Co-Chair of the Gates Foundation.

For marginalised women, DEI is not just a corporate initiative—it is a fundamental pillar of economic empowerment. The ability to access financial resources, entrepreneurial networks, and training determines whether women can break the cycle of poverty. Regardless of political trends, businesses that maintain their commitment to inclusion will see greater workforce productivity, consumer trust, and long-term profitability.

Financial Inclusion & Business Training: Bridging the Gap

At People Systems Consultancy (PSC), we focus on empowering marginalised communities—including women—through financial literacy training and entrepreneurship programmes. Our goal is to help individuals build long-term financial stability, scale businesses, and integrate into the formal economy.

  • Expanding access to financial literacy: Marginalised women often lack access to formal banking services. Studies show that women-owned businesses receive just 2% of global venture capital funding, limiting their ability to scale ([4]).
  • Entrepreneurial mentorship and training: Many women from underserved backgrounds lack formal business education. PSC’s programmes provide mentorship, leadership training, and market expansion strategies.
  • Building self-sustaining businesses: Our approach moves beyond short-term funding. We focus on resilience, sustainability, and adaptability, ensuring businesses can withstand economic shifts.

Regional Perspectives on Women’s Entrepreneurship

Across ASEAN, women entrepreneurs face a mix of challenges and opportunities:

  • Malaysia: Women-owned businesses represent 19.4% of firms ([6]), yet they receive less than 10% of total financing ([7]). Government-led microfinance initiatives have helped bridge the gap, but access to capital remains a barrier.
  • Philippines: With strong microfinance institutions, 35% of firms are female-owned, and women hold 29.9% of top management positions ([7]). Many thrive in small-scale businesses but struggle to transition into larger enterprises.
  • Indonesia: Cultural expectations limit female entrepreneurship in rural areas, yet 52.9% of firms are majority female-owned, though financial barriers persist ([8]).
  • Cambodia & Laos: Women often rely on informal economies, with 88.98% of women in Cambodia and 99.05% in the Philippines working in informal sectors ([9]).

“Women entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia are critical to economic growth, yet they continue to be underfunded and underserved,” says Dr. Mari Pangestu, Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former Managing Director of Development Policy at the World Bank. “Financial inclusion and targeted business training can bridge this gap and unlock untapped economic potential.”

Maybank R.I.S.E.: A Case Study of Women’s Economic Empowerment

One of PSC’s most impactful programmes is Maybank R.I.S.E., a regional initiative designed to empower marginalised individuals—including women—through entrepreneurship and financial literacy training.

  • Since its inception, the programme has trained over 41,000 participants, of which 32,315 are persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 9,070 are marginalised individuals.
  • The top 40% of participants saw an average income increase of 342.73%, demonstrating the programme’s success in creating real financial impact.
  • For all participants, income increased by an average of 140.43%, highlighting the tangible benefits of structured entrepreneurship training.
  • In Malaysia alone, 10,804 individuals were trained, with top earners experiencing a 316.88% income boost, and the overall average increase at 131.83%.

These figures illustrate the scalability and effectiveness of well-structured financial inclusion programmes in transforming lives.

Creating Lasting Economic Pathways

Sustainable social impact requires corporate collaboration, policy support, and community-driven entrepreneurship. PSC connects governments, corporates, and communities to build scalable, data-driven economic empowerment strategies.

Take Action: Partner with PSC to Drive Impact

If you are a corporate leader looking to support inclusive business growth, PSC can help design, implement, and measure effective social impact programmes.

Contact us today to learn more about creating lasting impact.

  1. World Economic Forum – Global Gender Gap Report 2024 (Malaysia Data): https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2024
  2. World Economic Forum – Global Gender Gap Report 2024 (Philippines Data): https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2024
  3. World Economic Forum – Global Gender Gap Report 2024 (Indonesia Data): https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2024
  4. World Economic Forum – Global Gender Gap Report 2024 (Cambodia & Laos Data): https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2024
  5. World Economic Forum – Global Gender Gap Report 2024: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2024
  6. McKinsey & Company – Women in the Workplace 2024: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace-2024
  7. McKinsey & Company – Diversity Wins Report: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/diversity-wins
  8. Harvard Business Review – Why Women-Owned Startups Get Less Funding: https://hbr.org/2021/05/why-women-owned-startups-are-getting-less-funding
  9. World Bank – Financial Inclusion for Women: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/03/08/women-s-financial-inclusion-a-driver-for-inclusive-growth