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Financial Inclusion and Gender Inequality in sub-Saharan Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Tendai Zawaira

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa)

  • Matthew Clance

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa)

  • Carolyn Chisadza

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa)

  • Rangan Gupta

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa)

Abstract

This study analyses the association between financial inclusion and gender inequality in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings suggest that generally, most individuals in sub-Saharan Africa rely on informal sources of finance, such as savings at a savings club and borrowing from family and friends compared to formal financial sources. Moreover, women are more likely to turn to the informal sources compared to men which is a concern that needs to be addressed at policy level. Improving access to finance is at the center of improving gender equality and increasing the economic freedoms and opportunities that women have to contribute to their families and societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Tendai Zawaira & Matthew Clance & Carolyn Chisadza & Rangan Gupta, 2021. "Financial Inclusion and Gender Inequality in sub-Saharan Africa," Working Papers 202167, University of Pretoria, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pre:wpaper:202167
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender; Financial development; Financial inclusion; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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