Using individual level data from 148 developed and developing economies, this paper examines the relationship between legal gender equality and the use of financial services. The analysis, which combines data from the Global Findex and Women, Business and the Law databases, shows that greater legal equality alleviates women’s involuntary financial exclusion. The findings also suggest that prevailing adverse social norms can nullify the beneficial effects of legal equality, and that better implementation of the law can strengthen the relationship between legal frameworks and women’s financial inclusion.
Blog » Gendered Laws and Women’s Financial Inclusion (2023)
Gendered Laws and Women’s Financial Inclusion (2023)
Using individual level data from 148 developed and developing economies, this paper examines the relationship between legal gender equality and the use of financial services. The analysis, which combines data from the Global Findex and Women, Business and the Law databases, shows that greater legal equality alleviates women’s involuntary financial exclusion. The findings also suggest that prevailing adverse social norms can nullify the beneficial effects of legal equality, and that better implementation of the law can strengthen the relationship between legal frameworks and women’s financial inclusion.