Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{185977,
        author = {PRACHI KISHAN VARU and PARITOSH RANADE and DR. RESHMA SULTANA P.H},
        title = {Closing the Gender Gap in Financial Decision-Making in India: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies for Inclusion - A STUDY},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {5},
        pages = {3695-3710},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=185977},
        abstract = {India’s progress in financial inclusion has significantly improved access to formal banking systems and has expanded women’s account ownership in recent years. Yet, women remain underrepresented in financial decision-making, particularly in long-term investment and credit- related matters. While government schemes have successfully increased women’s participation in the formal financial system, genuine agency in financial matters continues to be restricted by multiple barriers, including limited financial and digital literacy, restrictive socio-cultural norms, low confidence, and unequal access to resources. This persistent gap not only affects women’s personal financial independence but also constrains broader household and community-level economic resilience.
This study seeks to examine the gender gap in financial decision-making in India through primary research designed to capture real-time behaviours, household dynamics, and structural challenges faced by women. A survey-based questionnaire will be conducted with over 60 participants across urban and semi-urban locations. Respondents will include both working and non-working women aged 18–55, alongside a small sample of male household members, to better understand intra-
household patterns of financial authority. The study will assess financial literacy, digital competencies, investment and saving practices, coping mechanisms, and self-perceived barriers to independent decision-making. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation techniques, and thematic coding to generate both quantitative and qualitative insights.
The proposed plan of action emphasizes a multi-level approach to narrowing the decision-making gap. It includes gender-sensitive financial literacy programs, fintech solutions delivered in vernacular languages, and community-based peer learning platforms aimed at building confidence and agency. By highlighting pathways for intervention and empowerment, the study intends to contribute a scalable and inclusive framework that aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, positioning women’s financial autonomy as a driver of equitable and sustainable growth.},
        keywords = {Financial Literacy, Gender Gap, Women’s Empowerment, Financial Decision- Making, Inclusive Growth},
        month = {October},
        }