Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment in Uganda A Case of Lango Sub Region, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Women empowerment has taken a center stage in the present development agenda. The study examines the role of financial inclusion in supporting women empowerment in Lango sub region, Northern Uganda. Using both purposive and simple random sampling a Sample of 126 respondents was selected with a response rate of 100% realized. The study found out that financial support appeared to be sparse, The regulations, supervision and monitoring of some of these firms was lacking, causing many women to lose their savings with such firms. The study therefore recommended that Government should establish buffers to serve as collateral security for women who intend to secure financial credit. Financial service providers should lower down the costs of operating accounts for the financial inclusiveness of women, particularly women from rural areas. Government should tighten monitoring, regulating and supervisory policies of financial service providers to restore public trust in financial institutions in Uganda. Financial services providers, government and other development partners should offer both formal and informal business education training.