The Impact of Financial Inclusion on Young Women’s Well-Being

Almost two decades of research indicates that financial services can help young women develop the financial assets that are a key support in overcoming their conditions. Financial inclusion may also facilitate the development of other assets and capabilities—such as human capital, voice and agency, and bodily integrity—which young women need to become healthy, productive, and empowered adults. However, the weight of this evidence has been difficult to assess. Although there have been several excellent reviews of economic empowerment programming for young women, evidence to date specifically on the impact of financial inclusion interventions has not been synthesized and made easily accessible.

This Working Paper aims to fill that gap. It takes stock of current evidence on the impact of financial inclusion interventions—defined as either formal/informal financial services and/ or financial education—on young women’s financial and nonfinancial outcomes (health, education, livelihoods, and psychosocial functioning).