Financial inclusion and women participation in gainful employment: an empirical analysis of Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examines the effect of financial inclusion on women participation in gainful employment in Nigeria for the period 1980 – 2018, employing the ARDL method. Both in the short run and long-run, the results indicated a positive relationship between financial inclusion and women’s participation in gainful employment. Thus, the paper recommends that the government ensure that financial inclusion barriers are reduced or removed. Reducing or removing will increase women’s participation in economic activities since financial inclusion measures are adjudged as convenient, safe, and prompt. Measures that will enhance private deposit and expansion of more commercial’s banks branch in rural areas to improve women’s access to financial services that discourage the use of informal financial services should be encouraged.