Paraguay's Financial Development Agency (AFD) issued 2,600 guarantees backing US$ 55 million in credits for women, as announced by the institution's president, Stella Guillén. The data was released during preparations for Guillén's participation in the panel "Mujeres que construyen. Rompiendo moldes, edificando realidades," which will take place on May 21, 2026, at the Conmebol Convention Center during the Constructecnia 2026 trade fair.
Guillén highlighted that the results show that when tools exist to reduce barriers such as lack of guarantees, women access the financial system, meet their commitments, and grow their projects. However, she acknowledged that structural obstacles persist, such as informality, lack of real guarantees, and insufficient credit history, which cause the financial system to perceive higher risk in certain profiles.
"We work to generate instruments that help correct these barriers and facilitate access to financing under better conditions. In this sense, guarantee funds, credit lines with an inclusive focus, and financial education are fundamental," said the AFD president.
Guillén emphasized that the goal is not only to provide resources but to create conditions for women to sustain their businesses, project themselves, and strengthen their economic autonomy. "Women are good payers, they meet their commitments, and they strengthen portfolio quality when given the opportunity," she added.
She also stressed the impact of credit beyond individual entrepreneurship: "When a woman accesses financing, she not only drives a personal or business initiative. Often, this credit strengthens an entire family, generates employment, energizes her community, and opens new opportunities."
At the Constructecnia panel, Guillén will share the AFD's vision on financing for women, especially in the housing sector, with inclusive and sustainable approaches. For her, access to housing is not just a credit line but a gateway to stability, assets, and development for thousands of Paraguayan families.