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@article{207340,
        author = {Dr JIJI VIJAYAN},
        title = {Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment: The Way Forward},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {3},
        pages = {682-688},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=207340},
        abstract = {Financial inclusion is a critical driver of inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in empowering women economically and socially. The paper examines the interlinkages between financial inclusion and women empowerment in India, highlighting policy initiatives, institutional mechanisms, and regional experiences with special reference to Kerala. Drawing upon the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) and the Financial Inclusion Index of RBI, the study analyses recent progress in access, usage, and quality dimensions of financial services. The Kerala model, especially through Kudumbashree and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), demonstrates how community-based interventions can enhance financial literacy, micro-enterprise development, and credit empowerment among women. However, structural barriers such as digital divide, socio-cultural constraints, and inadequate financial awareness continue to impede inclusive growth.},
        keywords = {Financial Inclusion, Women Empowerment, Financial Literacy, Inclusive Growth},
        month = {August},
        }