Ruth Palma

Peruvian social entrepreneur who pioneered microfinance for indigenous communities

Ruth Palma (1950–2020) was a Peruvian economist and founder of ProMujer, a groundbreaking microfinance organization serving Latin America's marginalized populations. Born in Arequipa, Peru, Palma witnessed the struggles of rural women during her childhood in the Andes mountains. Her work combined economic development with gender equality, creating pathways for women to become financially independent.

In 1990, Palma co-founded ProMujer, which provided small loans, health services, and education to women in Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru. The organization's holistic approach addressed systemic barriers by integrating financial literacy training with healthcare access. By 2020, ProMujer had empowered over 1.7 million women, disbursing more than $1 billion in loans.

Palma's innovation lay in recognizing that poverty requires multifaceted solutions. She partnered with local leaders to design culturally appropriate programs, ensuring sustainability. Her TED Talk 《The Women Who Grow Economies》 highlights her philosophy. Though lesser-known globally, her impact on Latin American economic systems remains profound. Her legacy continues through ProMujer's expansion into digital banking and climate resilience programs.