This panel will delve into the transformative potential of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) as vital tools for addressing gender barriers and fostering women's empowerment. Participants will explore critical lessons learned from implementing the VSLA model, emphasizing the necessary conditions for its success, such as a nuanced understanding of local contexts and cultural norms, a gender-intentional approach in product design, and the integration of non-financial services tailored to women's unique challenges. Successful examples of gender impact at both collective and individual levels will be shared, and strategies for addressing any unintended negative consequences discussed. PPI will highlight a compelling case study from Madagascar’s SAVA region, showcasing how VSLA methodologies have strengthened economic resilience among vanilla producers while promoting gender equity. The second panelist will share insightful research conducted in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, examining the impact of field officer gender on VSLA performance, particularly within all-women groups managed by the Stromme Foundation. Together, these insights will illuminate effective pathways for VSLA implementation and underscore their crucial role in advancing financial inclusion and empowerment for women in diverse contexts.