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Unraveling financial exclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic: A gender perspective in Latin American countries

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  • Lorain, Marie-Anne
  • Pernas, Jesús Barreal
  • Jannes, Gil
  • Grande, Elena Urquía
  • Sánchez, Pilar López
  • Sierra, Javier

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected mainly the most vulnerable population in developing countries. This research focuses on financial inclusion, with an emphasis on digital financing among men and women in Latin American countries. The analysis combines a qualitative and quantitative perspective. We first perform a comprehensive literature review of financial inclusion in developing countries, with a focus on gender gap, pre- and post-COVID. An extensive sample of Latin American countries is then studied in detail through the World Bank Global Findex Questionnaire. A series of questions is identified in relation to financial inclusion, such as financial and mobile account ownership and their use for bill payments, or debit and credit card ownership, and the differences in terms of gender are analyzed statistically. This analysis is complemented by an econometric modelization to identify the significance and strength of the variables that determine financial inclusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorain, Marie-Anne & Pernas, Jesús Barreal & Jannes, Gil & Grande, Elena Urquía & Sánchez, Pilar López & Sierra, Javier, 2025. "Unraveling financial exclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic: A gender perspective in Latin American countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:188:y:2025:i:c:s0305750x25000075
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2025.106924
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