FINANCIAL INCLUSION PROGRAMS AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN'S ECONOMIC SECURITY ACROSS SPECIFIED DISTRICTS OF ODISHA

DOI: https://doie.org/10.65985/APER.2025807606

Authors:

Mr. Sitansu Ranjan Swain, Prof. Vijaya Rudraraju, Dr. Sasmita Nayak

Keywords:

Microfinance, financial tool, financial literacy, economic advancement, Women empowerment.

Abstract:

Women's economic, social, and political empowerment have become a prominent concern in global development. This illustrates how crucial it is to treat everyone fairly and equally. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been extremely essential in helping women who didn't have money previously acquire it. Microfinance has been a good approach to assist women acquire power by providing them access to money and economic opportunities. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have shown that improving women's access to finance not only increases their income but also alters power dynamics within households and communities. This study examines the effect of microfinance on women's empowerment in the Khurda and Sambalpur districts of Odisha, highlighting the significance of loan accessibility, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial support in promoting their social and economic advancement and entrepreneurial support contribute to their social and economic advancement. This report makes many suggestions, such as creating thorough social performance measuring standards and improving financial literacy training. Women who received assistance from microfinance institutions (MFIs) in these districts participated in a standardized survey, and in-depth interviews were done to learn about their individual experiences and viewpoints. By resolving these issues, it is anticipated that microcredit programs and other MFIs would become more useful tools for empowering women economically and fostering inclusive, sustainable economic development.

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