Women’s Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion Post-pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to address financial literacy and inclusion in gender disparities, with women disproportionately affected by the economic fallout. This chapter explores the significance of enhancing women’s financial literacy and inclusion in the post-pandemic era, considering the gendered impact, the importance of financial literacy, and the barriers hindering women’s financial inclusion. The pandemic has amplified existing economic disparities, particularly impacting women who are overrepresented in vulnerable sectors. Disproportionate job losses, coupled with increased caregiving responsibilities, have pushed many women to the economic margins. The intersectionality of gender with factors like race and socioeconomic status has compounded challenges for women from marginalized communities. In addition to highlighting the critical role that financial literacy plays in women’s entrepreneurship and greater economic engagement, the policy initiatives that promote equal pay and combat workplace discrimination are essential to creating an atmosphere that recognizes the achievements of women. Subsequently, addressing women’s financial literacy and inclusion post-COVID-19 is not only a matter of social justice but also an economic imperative. Empowering women economically benefits societies as a whole, contributing to increased productivity, resilience, and stability. The chapter calls for a collective effort to prioritize women’s financial empowerment in the pursuit of a post-pandemic world characterized by economic justice and equity.