SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF FINANCIAL LITERACY ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF WOMEN IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the socio-economic effect of financial literacy on the financial inclusion of women. By shedding light on the importance of financial literacy and the barriers women face, policymakers, financial institutions, and organizations can develop targeted strategies and interventions to promote women's financial inclusion, ultimately leading to improved socio-economic outcomes and gender equality. This study employed the probit regression on the National Bureau of Statistics general households’ survey data to appraise the effect of financial literacy on financial inclusion of women in Niger State. The estimation result shows that financial literacy positively and statistically influences financial inclusion options (cash at hand, purchasing power, account ownership, bank access, and credit access) in Niger state. Similarly, education status, age, and gender are determinants of financial inclusion. The study concluded that financial literacy is essential for achieving financial inclusion among women. To encourage financial inclusion among women, the study recommends that the government should initiate programs that will train women and also include financial literacy education at secondary or tertiary level to teach skills and information on how to utilize and manage financial services and products. The Central Bank should also mandate that the financial institutions to establish customer financial advisory units to educate their clients on managing and using financial products and services available to them to create wealth, thus improving living standards