ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL AREAS

Abstract

Access to financial services plays a transformative role in enhancing women’s empowerment, particularly in rural areas. This study examines the correlation between improved access to financial resources—such as microfinance, savings accounts, and credit facilities—and the socioeconomic empowerment of women in underserved regions. Empowerment is analyzed through various dimensions, including economic independence, decision-making authority, entrepreneurial activities, and social inclusion. Findings suggest that financial inclusion fosters greater autonomy for women, enabling them to invest in income-generating activities, enhance household welfare, and participate more actively in community leadership. However, challenges such as cultural norms, financial literacy gaps, and infrastructural limitations hinder widespread adoption. Addressing these barriers through targeted policies and gender-sensitive financial products is critical to sustaining and expanding the impact of financial access on women’s empowerment. This research underscores the importance of inclusive financial systems in bridging gender disparities and fostering sustainable rural development.