Staff Directory

Catherine Highet

Financial Sector Specialist

Catherine Highet is FinEquity's  Digitally Enabled Financial Inclusion Thematic Lead. Prior to this role, she worked with the GSMA Connected Women program and FHI 360, focusing on digital inclusion activities, including DFS, digital identity and gender equality. Catherine has also consulted for several digital development partners in the public and private sector including IREX, Mozilla and Souktel. 

By Catherine Highet

Blog

Smart Fields, Strong Women: Data and AI in Rural India

In rural India, digital tools are bridging the gender gap in finance. By using satellite data and AI to track farm productivity, new agri-tech models help women farmers build credit histories and access the resources needed for climate resilience.
Blog

Beyond Borders: Expanding Financial Inclusion Through e-Commerce

Cross-border e-commerce enables women to expand their markets, reach new clients, and trade in greater volumes, while doing business remotely, saving time and improving efficiency. These transactions create a financial footprint that can help women qualify for loans, insurance, and other financial products.
Blog

Building Resilience: Women, Solar Energy & India’s Turmeric Economy

Women do 80% of the labor in India’s turmeric value chain, much of it grueling and manual. Solar dryers and peelers could ease this burden, improve quality, raise incomes, and build climate resilience with support from green finance tools.
Blog

Avanti’s Digital Edge: Winning for Customers, Partners, and Growth

Avanti Finance leverages technology and partnerships to provide affordable, accessible financial services to low-income households in India, focusing on women. Their digital processes enhance efficiency, scalability, and customer experience.
Blog

Beyond the Chat: AI-Powered Advice for Women Farmers

AI-powered chatbots can be transformative for rural women by providing accessible, real-time agricultural advice, improving productivity, and fostering financial independence. Challenges must be addressed to ensure their full impact and inclusivity.