Exploring Pathways of Digital Financial Inclusion to Improve Women's Economic Participation

ABSTRACT

In the recent times, digital financial services have seen exponential growth with expanded opportunities to individuals, especially women. In 2020, more than 240 million women, as compared to data of the year 2014, have a bank account and access to mobile payment services. However, compared to men, women are more likely to be poor and have less participation in the formal economy. They mostly find jobs in the informal economy. Therefore, there is a need to support women's financial status by providing them with appropriate infrastructure and resources and removing barriers to digital financial inclusion. In addition, the policymakers need to address the challenges in access to financial services for women, different laws and regulations, and limited access to technology. The study explores the challenges to women's access to online banking and policy options to strengthen women's participation in digital financial services. © 2022 IEEE.