The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series that brings you transformative stories of leaders from the Grameen family who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business across the globe. In this fourth episode, we sit down with Dolores M. Torres, president emeritus of CARD (Center for Agriculture and Rural Development), one of theone of the world's largest women-focused microfinance institutions , to explore how a vision born from personal commitment has transformed the lives of more than10 million Filipinos.
What you'll discover
Dolores M. Torres shares her remarkable journey from a young volunteer with the Philippine Business for Social Progress to co-founding CARD with just 20 pesos and a dream. Discover how she developed a business that now operates through 3,700 offices, and how the Grameen model inspired her to create institutions owned and governed by the women they serve. Learn how listening to clients transformed a single microfinance organization into a group of 34 interconnectedinstitutions serving insurance, education, healthcare and financial services to over 33 million Filipinos.
Key Highlights
From Volunteer to Visionary : How personal experience with poverty fueled a lifelong commitment to social development and inspired the founding of CARD in 1989 with just 89 women members
The Power of Client Ownership : Why placing institutions directly in the hands of poor women, through board representation, policy design, and strategic decision-making, became the cornerstone of CARD's extraordinary success
Inspired by Grameen : How Professor Muhammad Yunus's credit discipline model transformed CARD's operations, starting with 100% repayment rates among the first 89 women members and scaling into a global movement
Listening as Strategy : The transformative practice of continuously listening to clients' needs, from training under mango trees to building a government-authorized microfinance school, that led to the creation of 34 diverse institutions
Homegrown Leadership : How CARD's commitment to staff development created a culture of retention, with the first account officer becoming managing director and the first bookkeeper now leading the bank
Microfinance as Vocation : The critical message for the next generation: treating microfinance not as a job but as a calling, while embracing digital transformation and AI to attract younger leaders without losing sight of the human mission
Scaling with Purpose : How strategic partnerships with organizations that share CARD's mission, rather than those imposing external agendas, enabled sustainable growth and authentic impact
Why this matters
As the world faces rapid technological change and shifting development priorities, Dolores M. Torres' story demonstrates that sustainable poverty alleviation requires more than financial innovation. It demands genuine commitment, client empowerment, and the courage to dream big while staying grounded in core values.
In an era where AI and digital tools are reshaping financial services, CARD's experience shows how technology can enhance rather than replace the human touch that defines transformative microfinance. The emotional connection between staff and the communities they serve remains the true engine of change.
Perfect for
Impact investors, social entrepreneurs, development professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, women leaders and activists, technology innovators, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful change through client-centered finance, women's empowerment, and social business.
Key quote
" We dream big, just like Grameen Bank. When we started CARD as an NGO, we dreamed of establishing a bank that would be owned by the poor women. At that time, it looked impossible. We only had 20 pesos. But we promised them we will build a bank that you will own, and we realized it. » – Dolores M. Torres
Listen now
Be inspired by a leader who has dedicated her life to proving that poverty is not inevitable, it is a choice we can collectively reject through inclusive finance, women's empowerment, and unwavering commitment to social mission.
________________________________________
A Journey for Change in Inclusive Finance and Social Business : Where impact meets innovation.
Subscribe to our podcast series to stay updated on upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are driving change across continents and sectors.
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dorie-short-fr.png10801493Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-04-29 12:52:092026-05-18 16:21:20Podcast: A Journey for change in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #4
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dolores-m-torres-fr.png10801920Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-04-29 12:28:262026-04-29 12:28:26Episode 4: Building Empires from Dreams – Dolores M. Torres's Action Plan for Eradicating Poverty
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/roshaneh-zafar-fr.png10801920Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-04-20 12:31:302026-04-20 12:31:30Episode 3: From Founder to Visionary: Alex Counts' Plan for Coordinated Impact
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series that brings you transformative stories of leaders from the Grameen family who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business across the globe. In this third episode, we sit down with Alex Counts, founder of Grameen Foundation and pioneering architect of microfinance for over 30 years, to explore his vision for a unified and coordinated Grameen movement.
What you'll discover
Alex Counts shares his remarkable journey from a decade-long apprenticeship with Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh to founding Grameen Foundation, leading it for 18 years, and remaining an adviser and friend of the organization to this day. Discover how the microfinance sector has evolved from a revolutionary idea, that the world's poor are bankable, into a global movement, and how strategic coordination among Grameen organizations can amplify collective impact in an era of rapid technological change.
Key Highlights
The revolutionary insight : How Professor Yunus proved that poor women are bankable and that financial services can be delivered profitably while creating measurable social impact
Breaking geographical barriers : Understanding why the Grameen model succeeded in unexpected markets, from India to the United States and the critical role of maintaining core values in adaptation
Digital innovation with purpose The opportunities and risks of technology in financial inclusion, and why a "magical app" alone cannot solve poverty
Coordinating the Grameen family We can model our network after successful universities, where different schools and departments have autonomy but there is also a unified brand and strategy to ensure coordination and coherence
Staying grounded in mission : The urgent need to preserve Professor Yunus's core values in an age of AI and rapid market change, ensuring microfinance remains relevant to those who need it most
Why this matters
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, from artificial intelligence to geopolitical shifts, the Grameen family must function as a coordinated movement while maintaining the human touch and moral compass that defines our mission. Alex Counts' vision for strategic collaboration offers a roadmap for amplifying our collective impact on poverty alleviation and financial inclusion.
Perfect for
Impact investors, social entrepreneurs, development professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, technology innovators, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful change through coordinated action, inclusive finance, and social business.
Key quote
" If we can use technology, but not have technology use us, I think we can create real change. " – Alex Counts
Listen now and be inspired by a leader who continues to shape the future of inclusive finance.
" A Journey for Change in Inclusive Finance and Social Business " Where impact meets innovation.
Subscribe to our podcast series to stay updated on upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are driving change across continents and sectors.
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/roshaneh-zafar-fr-2.png10801493Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-04-20 12:31:052026-05-18 16:25:44Podcast: A Journey for change in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #3
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/capture-decran-2026-04-10-171436.png9461905Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-04-10 17:12:132026-04-10 17:15:23Interview with Thomas Hugues by Véronique Faujour at B SMART 4Change
Disrupted by climate change and biodiversity loss, small-scale farmers face increased threats to their crops, requiring profound adaptations. In this context, the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation launched a technical assistance project to support RENACA (the National Network of Self-Managed Village Savings and Credit Unions of Benin) in strengthening financing for actors in agricultural value chains and reducing the climate vulnerability of small-scale producers, with funding under the SSNUP program.
The project was built around three complementary levers:
The establishment of 20 pilot demonstration farms showcasing agroecological practices
The creation of a team of 7 internal trainers trained in andragogy, which has made it possible to train more than 200 small producers in agroecological practices and financial education.
Strengthening RENACA's agricultural financing system through training modules on risk analysis and the preparation of agricultural credit files, improving the institution's resilience to future shocks.
Thanks to this pilot project, agroecology is recognized as a preferred practice for reducing risks in agricultural activities and increasing incomes. Furthermore, RENACA has strengthened its autonomy in providing advice and training through skills transfer, thereby reducing its dependence on external consultants.
This pilot project quantified the transformative impact of RENACA on beneficiary farmers. The majority of them (821) reported an improvement in their farming practices, while 601 diversified their production. Even more remarkably, 851 farmers reported an increase in their production, including 541 on the same area of land, demonstrating a significant improvement in productivity.
Beyond agricultural results, a study conducted by 60-decibels showed that 891 farmers reported an improvement in their quality of life. Financially, 771 farmers benefited from better planning skills thanks to improved financial discipline, while 771 increased their savings and 831 farmers increased their agricultural investments. Finally, 741 farmers were now able to cope with emergency expenses, with 701 attributing this financial resilience to the support provided by RENACA.
Learn more in our full report and through the study conducted by 60_decibels:
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/publications-linkedin-e1775828054726.png10721186Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-04-10 17:00:342026-04-10 17:01:03Developing agroecological practices for small producers in Benin
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/capture-decran-2026-04-10-165926.png592731Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-04-10 17:00:002026-04-10 17:00:00Improving the provision of financial and non-financial services for small producers in Benin
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/publications-linkedin-e1775828054726.png10721186Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-04-10 16:37:422026-04-10 16:53:31Developing agroecological practices for small producers in Benin
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series that brings you transformative stories of game-changing leaders from the Grameen family who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business across the globe. In this second episode, we sit down with Roshaneh Zafar, founder and CEO of the KASHF Foundation, to explore her remarkable 30-year journey from economist to visionary leader in women's financial empowerment.
What you'll discover
Roshaneh Zafar shares how KASHF Foundation has evolved from a bold vision inspired by Professor Muhammad Yunus into one of leading microfinance institutions in Pakistan, reaching nearly 18 million individuals. Discover how listening to women's needs led to the creation of innovative, integrated financial solutions from microcredit to micro-insurance, and micro-pensions—all guided by a powerful commitment to gender equity and women's agency.
Key Highlights
• The power of a mentor's belief : How Professor Muhammad Yunus's confidence and guidance transformed a young economist's career
• Breaking down barriers : Understanding the multi-layered obstacles women face—from birth through entrepreneurship—and how KASHF Foundation systematically addresses them through integrated services
• From credit to transformation : The evolution from micro loans to comprehensive financial services including micro-insurance tailored to specific trades and innovative micro-pension products that enable long-term planning
• Holistic financial inclusion : How understanding women's multitasking realities led to designing products that address their interconnected financial needs—business, family, health, and future security
• Pioneering financial innovation : KASHF's groundbreaking achievements, including Pakistan's first gender bond and South Asia's first gender Sukuk (Islamic bond), bringing capital markets to women entrepreneurs
• The value of partnerships : How strategic collaborations with investors, insurance companies, and organizations sharing core values have been essential to scaling impact
Why this matters
In a world where poverty has a distinctly feminine face, Roshaneh Zafar's approach shows how strategic innovation, rooted in understanding women's real needs and challenges, can scale transformative impact and inspire a global movement.
This episode is particularly timely as the Grameen family strengthens collaboration to amplify collective impact on women's empowerment and financial inclusion.
Perfect for
Impact investors, social entrepreneurs, development professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, women's rights advocates, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful change through finance, business, and gender equity.
Key quote
"This is not a transaction. This is about transformation. Be value-driven, understand the impact you want to create, and build your strategy from there". – Roshaneh Zafar
Listen now and be inspired by a leader who truly makes a difference.
" A Journey for Change in Inclusive Finance and Social Business " – Where impact meets innovation.
Subscribe to our podcast series to stay updated on upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are driving change across continents and sectors.
https://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/roshaneh-zafar-fr-1.png10801505Philippe Guichanduthttps://www.gca-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-gca-fondation-fr.pngPhilippe Guichandut2026-03-26 14:00:492026-05-18 16:28:18Podcast: A Journey for change in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #2
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Podcast: A Journey for change in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #4
Episode 4: Building Empires from Dreams – Dolores M. Torres' Blueprint for Poverty Eradication
Discover the podcast: Episode 4
Welcome to our podcast series
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series that brings you transformative stories of leaders from the Grameen family who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business across the globe. In this fourth episode, we sit down with Dolores M. Torres, president emeritus of CARD (Center for Agriculture and Rural Development), one of the one of the world's largest women-focused microfinance institutions , to explore how a vision born from personal commitment has transformed the lives of more than 10 million Filipinos.
What you'll discover
Dolores M. Torres shares her remarkable journey from a young volunteer with the Philippine Business for Social Progress to co-founding CARD with just 20 pesos and a dream. Discover how she developed a business that now operates through 3,700 offices, and how the Grameen model inspired her to create institutions owned and governed by the women they serve. Learn how listening to clients transformed a single microfinance organization into a group of 34 interconnected institutions serving insurance, education, healthcare and financial services to over 33 million Filipinos.
Key Highlights
Why this matters
As the world faces rapid technological change and shifting development priorities, Dolores M. Torres' story demonstrates that sustainable poverty alleviation requires more than financial innovation. It demands genuine commitment, client empowerment, and the courage to dream big while staying grounded in core values.
In an era where AI and digital tools are reshaping financial services, CARD's experience shows how technology can enhance rather than replace the human touch that defines transformative microfinance. The emotional connection between staff and the communities they serve remains the true engine of change.
Perfect for
Impact investors, social entrepreneurs, development professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, women leaders and activists, technology innovators, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful change through client-centered finance, women's empowerment, and social business.
Key quote
" We dream big, just like Grameen Bank. When we started CARD as an NGO, we dreamed of establishing a bank that would be owned by the poor women. At that time, it looked impossible. We only had 20 pesos. But we promised them we will build a bank that you will own, and we realized it. » – Dolores M. Torres
Listen now
Be inspired by a leader who has dedicated her life to proving that poverty is not inevitable, it is a choice we can collectively reject through inclusive finance, women's empowerment, and unwavering commitment to social mission.
________________________________________
A Journey for Change in Inclusive Finance and Social Business : Where impact meets innovation.
Subscribe to our podcast series to stay updated on upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are driving change across continents and sectors.
Discover the podcast via this link
French transcript
English transcript
Episode 4: Building Empires from Dreams – Dolores M. Torres's Action Plan for Eradicating Poverty
Episode 3: From Founder to Visionary: Alex Counts' Plan for Coordinated Impact
Podcast: A Journey for change in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #3
Episode 3: From Founder to Visionary: Alex Counts' Plan for Coordinated Impact
Discover the podcast: Episode 3
Welcome to our podcast series
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series that brings you transformative stories of leaders from the Grameen family who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business across the globe. In this third episode, we sit down with Alex Counts, founder of Grameen Foundation and pioneering architect of microfinance for over 30 years, to explore his vision for a unified and coordinated Grameen movement.
What you'll discover
Alex Counts shares his remarkable journey from a decade-long apprenticeship with Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh to founding Grameen Foundation, leading it for 18 years, and remaining an adviser and friend of the organization to this day. Discover how the microfinance sector has evolved from a revolutionary idea, that the world's poor are bankable, into a global movement, and how strategic coordination among Grameen organizations can amplify collective impact in an era of rapid technological change.
Key Highlights
Why this matters
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, from artificial intelligence to geopolitical shifts, the Grameen family must function as a coordinated movement while maintaining the human touch and moral compass that defines our mission. Alex Counts' vision for strategic collaboration offers a roadmap for amplifying our collective impact on poverty alleviation and financial inclusion.
Perfect for
Impact investors, social entrepreneurs, development professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, technology innovators, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful change through coordinated action, inclusive finance, and social business.
Key quote
" If we can use technology, but not have technology use us, I think we can create real change. " – Alex Counts
Listen now and be inspired by a leader who continues to shape the future of inclusive finance.
" A Journey for Change in Inclusive Finance and Social Business " Where impact meets innovation.
Subscribe to our podcast series to stay updated on upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are driving change across continents and sectors.
Discover the podcast via this link
French transcript
English transcript
Interview with Thomas Hugues by Véronique Faujour at B SMART 4Change
Developing agroecological practices for small producers in Benin
Disrupted by climate change and biodiversity loss, small-scale farmers face increased threats to their crops, requiring profound adaptations. In this context, the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation launched a technical assistance project to support RENACA (the National Network of Self-Managed Village Savings and Credit Unions of Benin) in strengthening financing for actors in agricultural value chains and reducing the climate vulnerability of small-scale producers, with funding under the SSNUP program.
The project was built around three complementary levers:
Thanks to this pilot project, agroecology is recognized as a preferred practice for reducing risks in agricultural activities and increasing incomes. Furthermore, RENACA has strengthened its autonomy in providing advice and training through skills transfer, thereby reducing its dependence on external consultants.
This pilot project quantified the transformative impact of RENACA on beneficiary farmers. The majority of them (821) reported an improvement in their farming practices, while 601 diversified their production. Even more remarkably, 851 farmers reported an increase in their production, including 541 on the same area of land, demonstrating a significant improvement in productivity.
Beyond agricultural results, a study conducted by 60-decibels showed that 891 farmers reported an improvement in their quality of life. Financially, 771 farmers benefited from better planning skills thanks to improved financial discipline, while 771 increased their savings and 831 farmers increased their agricultural investments. Finally, 741 farmers were now able to cope with emergency expenses, with 701 attributing this financial resilience to the support provided by RENACA.
Learn more in our full report and through the study conducted by 60_decibels:
Improving the provision of financial and non-financial services for small producers in Benin
Developing agroecological practices for small producers in Benin
Grameen Family Meeting Report
Podcast: A Journey for change in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #2
Episode 2: From Economist to Women's Champion – Roshaneh Zafar's Vision for Financial Inclusion
Discover the podcast: Episode 2
Welcome to our podcast series
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series that brings you transformative stories of game-changing leaders from the Grameen family who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business across the globe. In this second episode, we sit down with Roshaneh Zafar, founder and CEO of the KASHF Foundation, to explore her remarkable 30-year journey from economist to visionary leader in women's financial empowerment.
What you'll discover
Roshaneh Zafar shares how KASHF Foundation has evolved from a bold vision inspired by Professor Muhammad Yunus into one of leading microfinance institutions in Pakistan, reaching nearly 18 million individuals. Discover how listening to women's needs led to the creation of innovative, integrated financial solutions from microcredit to micro-insurance, and micro-pensions—all guided by a powerful commitment to gender equity and women's agency.
Key Highlights
• The power of a mentor's belief : How Professor Muhammad Yunus's confidence and guidance transformed a young economist's career
• Breaking down barriers : Understanding the multi-layered obstacles women face—from birth through entrepreneurship—and how KASHF Foundation systematically addresses them through integrated services
• From credit to transformation : The evolution from micro loans to comprehensive financial services including micro-insurance tailored to specific trades and innovative micro-pension products that enable long-term planning
• Holistic financial inclusion : How understanding women's multitasking realities led to designing products that address their interconnected financial needs—business, family, health, and future security
• Pioneering financial innovation : KASHF's groundbreaking achievements, including Pakistan's first gender bond and South Asia's first gender Sukuk (Islamic bond), bringing capital markets to women entrepreneurs
• The value of partnerships : How strategic collaborations with investors, insurance companies, and organizations sharing core values have been essential to scaling impact
Why this matters
In a world where poverty has a distinctly feminine face, Roshaneh Zafar's approach shows how strategic innovation, rooted in understanding women's real needs and challenges, can scale transformative impact and inspire a global movement.
This episode is particularly timely as the Grameen family strengthens collaboration to amplify collective impact on women's empowerment and financial inclusion.
Perfect for
Impact investors, social entrepreneurs, development professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, women's rights advocates, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful change through finance, business, and gender equity.
Key quote
"This is not a transaction. This is about transformation. Be value-driven, understand the impact you want to create, and build your strategy from there". – Roshaneh Zafar
Listen now and be inspired by a leader who truly makes a difference.
" A Journey for Change in Inclusive Finance and Social Business " – Where impact meets innovation.
Subscribe to our podcast series to stay updated on upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are driving change across continents and sectors.
Discover the podcast via this link
French transcript
English transcript