Women’s Financial Inclusion in Bangladesh: Evaluating the Gender Response of Financial Policies and Interventions in Post-Covid Era

Abstract

In recent decades, Bangladesh has prioritised the financial inclusion of its citizens in an effort to improve the economy and standard of living of the nation. Since its inception, the government of Bangladesh has implemented a wide range of policies and interventions to promote financial inclusion of women. After the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the national economy, the government and other financial institutions have again placed greater emphasis on promoting women’s financial inclusion. Despite the significant number of policies and interventions, women of diverse religious, ethnic, and regional backgrounds have been excluded from the targeted beneficiaries due to historical precedence. To fully understand the diversity and inclusivity of women’s financial inclusion, particularly in the post-COVID era, this paper examines the current financial policies and interventions through an intersectional lens. In doing so, this research first conducted a desk review of the current policies and interventions by the government and banking institutions relevant to the financial inclusion of women. It then focused on understanding the challenges and constraints of ensuring an equal approach to the financial inclusion of women in the post-COVID era. According to the key research findings, although various policies and interventions have been implemented to make this process inclusive, the implementation and monitoring of the policies yet remain a major challenge. To address the gaps in women’s financial inclusion and make it equitable in every way, this paper concludes with several recommendations.