Exploring Barriers to Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment among Women in Sindh: A quantitative perspective on Unemployment, Male dependency, and Low financial and Digital literacy
Abstract
This study explores the complex barriers to financial inclusion facing women in Sindh, Pakistan, this study investigates the barriers to financial inclusion facing women in Sindh, Pakistan, where only 7% of women have access to formal banking services despite comprising 48% of the population. Through surveys of women across urban and rural Sindh, this study aimed to see how male dependency, unemployment, and limited financial literacy affect women’s freedom to control their finances.
In order to get a balanced sample, the study used a quantitative approach by surveying 41 women from eight different districts in Sindh, using stratified random sampling. Findings further reveal that male dependency emerges as the most significant barrier, with patriarchal decision-making structures severely limiting women's financial agency regardless of education level. Financial literacy shows promising potential as a pathway to inclusion, particularly in urban centers like Karachi and Hyderabad, while employment status provides modest but important support for financial independence.
The research uncovers pronounced regional variations, with southern districts displaying stronger patriarchal influences and greater financial exclusion. Language barriers create additional hurdles for Sindhi-speaking women navigating financial systems predominantly designed in Urdu or English. This study shows how cultural, educational, and economic barriers in Sindhi society are related and contribute to financial exclusion. It was found that effective interventions should focus on financial literacy classes in the local language, involve men from households in community activities, and develop policies that take into account the regional differences, all crucial for helping women in Pakistan.
Keywords: Financial Inclusion, Male dependency, Unemployment, Digital literacy
