Abstract

Even in the contemporary era of the 21st century, gender disparities remain significant across various domains on a global scale. The realms of financial literacy and financial inclusion are no exceptions to this phenomenon. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of empirical studies addressing this matter, especially within rural areas. In this context, the current study attempts to investigate whether financial inclusion from gender perspective in Cachar district of rural Assam is statistically significant or not. The study is based on primary data that was gathered in the months of June and July, 2022 from the adult members of 482 households using a structured interview schedule. Using Roy and Nath’s (2025) methodology, composite indices are created to assess the financial inclusion level of adult males and females. To analyse the objective, statistical tests such as student’s independent t test and F test are used to determine the significance of the homogeneity of several sample means. Findings of the study show a notable gender gap in district level financial inclusion. Similar empirical findings have also been found in analyses conducted within and between blocks as well as across villages. The study suggests that establishment of sufficient number of financial literacy centres with utmost care, rise of general education, technological aptitude, accessibility to mass media, self-employment and regular employment opportunities to uplift economic status, expanding access to banking and credit for women, increasing women's involvement in microfinance programs and self-help groups could shift the momentum in their favour.

Keywords: Gender Disparity, Financial Inclusion, Household, Household Level Financial Inclusion Index, Economic Development