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Laws, attitudes and financial inclusion of women: A cross-country investigation

Author

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  • Suparna Chakraborty

    (University of San Francisco)

Abstract

Why are women financially excluded? Is there an association between women empowerment laws, prevalence of discriminatory attitudes in a society towards women and financial empowerment of women? Using a cross-country survey, this paper finds statistical evidence that suggests women are significantly less likely to be financially included as compared to their male counterparts. However, countries that promote gender equality particularly in the workplace and have strong enforcement mechanisms tend to have greater number of financially included females. Societal attitudes matter as well. Intolerance of discrimination, in particular allowing men and women a level playing field in education is significantly associated with greater financial inclusion of women.

Suggested Citation

  • Suparna Chakraborty, 2014. "Laws, attitudes and financial inclusion of women: A cross-country investigation," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 34(1), pages 333-353.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-13-00667
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Maureen Were & Maureen Odongo & Caroline Israel, 2021. "Gender disparities in financial inclusion in Tanzania," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2021-97, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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