Two billion people in the world remain financially excluded, according to Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), a financial inclusion think tank housed at the World Bank. They lack access to basic financial services such as savings accounts and credit that most of us take for granted. In its 12th annual photo contest, CGAP invites submissions that focus on financial inclusion and microfinance.
CGAP is seeking photo entries that show how people in both rural and urban areas are using digital finance in innovative ways to build greater resiliency through financial tools and conduct their financial lives.
Entrants are also encouraged to submit images that illustrate how financial services are helping them cope with humanitarian crises as well as photos showing how traditionally excluded groups such as women and youth are connecting with digital finance.
"People and communities around the world with access to financial services are using them to build better lives. With the photo contest, contributors help show this impact through their lens," said Greta Bull, CEO of CGAP. "This year we are especially excited to see entries that represent the growing use of smartphones and innovations in digital finance. How are smartphones making it easier for poor customers to manage their daily finances? How is digital innovation making it possible for low-income women to grow businesses, or to respond to emergencies?"
CGAP says contest judges are award-winning photographers and visual editors in documentary, magazine and news journalism who will select winners for the five contest areas:
- Grand Prize
- Categories
- Regional Spotlight
- Judges' Honorable Mention
- People's Choice.
Winning entries from two regions – Middle East and North Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean – will be given special recognition.
Prizes are gift certificates for photography equipment and accessories ranging from $100 to $2,000.
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. US ET on Sept. 29, 2017. Get details here.
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