Research summary: The Impacts of Digital Financial Services on Women’s Economic Empowerment

This document summarizes the relationship between access to digital financial services and women’s economic empowerment. Topics include the mechanisms through which that access can help expand the breadth of women’s support networks, expedite transfers during periods of need, empower women to enter the work force or switch to more productive occupations, and lead to other positive outcomes. The document draws on studies from multiple countries—including Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Uganda, Niger, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania—as well as development economics literature.