Paraguay's Financial Development Agency (AFD) announced that since the launch of the Women's Guarantee Fund (FOGAMU) in 2022, more than 2,600 guarantees have been granted, enabling US$ 55 million in credits for women entrepreneurs and heads of households. AFD President Stella Guillén highlighted that these figures demonstrate the positive impact of access to financing on the country's economic development.
“When a woman accesses credit, she not only boosts a business but also strengthens the entire family, generates employment, and energizes the community,” Guillén said. She emphasized that women are good payers and that meeting commitments strengthens the quality of the credit portfolio.
Despite progress, Guillén acknowledged that structural barriers persist, such as informality, lack of real guarantees, and insufficient credit history, which hinder access to the financial system. AFD is working to create instruments that reduce these barriers, such as guarantee funds and inclusive credit lines.
On the 21st, Guillén will participate in the panel “Mujeres que construyen. Rompiendo moldes, edificando realidades” during the Constructecnia 2026 Fair at the Conmebol Convention Center. The event will address the role of women in the construction sector and the importance of housing financing as a tool for autonomy and wealth building.
“Access to housing is not just about having a home, but about building stability, security, and wealth for the family,” Guillén said. She argued that urban and infrastructure development should be designed based on the real needs of families, promoting inclusion and sustainability.
Architect Paola Moure, also a panelist, noted that although gender gaps still exist in the construction sector, there is a growing female presence in areas such as design, project management, and technical execution. “Women are demonstrating the ability to hold leadership positions and manage large projects,” she said.