This research examines the significant gender disparities in financial inclusion and how these gaps impact economic empowerment and sustainable development. Using data from the Global Findex 2021 survey, the study identifies key socio-economic factors that influence financial access and usage, focusing on gender differences. Findings show that women are far less likely to own financial accounts or engage with digital financial services compared to men, highlighting the barriers women face in accessing formal financial products. Education, income, employment, and urban versus rural residency are all factors that shape financial inclusion, but their effects differ for men and women. For women, socio-cultural barriers, limited access to education, and lower employment rates further compound these issues. The study suggests that improving women’s access to financial services is essential for achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). To close the gender gap, targeted policy interventions are needed, including financial products designed to address the unique needs of women, such as micro-loans for female entrepreneurs and flexible savings options. The growth of digital finance presents opportunities to overcome traditional barriers, but women’s limited access to technology and digital literacy must be addressed. This presentation will discuss these findings, offering policy recommendations for financial inclusion strategies that promote gender equality and contribute to broader development goals. Closing the gender gap in financial access can empower women economically, enhance their decision-making power, and contribute to the long-term sustainable development of economies.

Dr. Amar Razzaq is an Associate Professor at the Business School of Huanggang Normal University, China, and a Research Fellow at Shinawatra University, Thailand, and INTI International University, Malaysia. With a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and Management from Huazhong Agricultural University, he is a leading researcher in environmental economics, water resource management, and agricultural policy. Dr. Razzaq’s groundbreaking work on groundwater markets, sustainability, and equitable water use has been published extensively in high-impact journals. 

Dr. Razzaq is a distinguished academic editor for PLOS ONE and serves on the editorial boards of several reputable journals, including Frontiers in Environmental Science and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. He has also led special issues as a guest editor, focusing on topics such as sustainable food systems and climate-smart agriculture. Recognized as a prolific reviewer, he has contributed to over 200 peer reviews for top-tier SCI/SSCI journals.

His contributions extend beyond research, as he has delivered keynote speeches globally on water resource governance, rural transformation, and sustainable development. Dr. Razzaq’s work has significantly influenced policy dialogues, particularly on integrating informal water markets into sustainable water conservancy strategies. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Chinese Government Distinguished Scholar Award. With a cumulative impact factor exceeding 170, Dr. Razzaq is widely recognized for his role in advancing research and fostering collaboration in water and agricultural economics.