| Title: THE ROLE OF FINTECH IN EMPOWERING WOMEN AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN INDIA |
| Authors: J. SURESH KUMAR* and D. SHOBANA² |
| Abstract: Fintech has become a strong enabler of financial inclusion, especially for women and the marginalized in India. Using technology and new business models, fintech solutions solve structural barriers to people being able to access banking, credit, and financial education. Digital wallets, microcredit sources, and mobile banking apps have given branchless access to women living in villages and urban slums for financial resources that they can deploy towards entrepreneurship, education fulfilled livelihoods. Moreover, fintech has narrowed the urban-rural gap by offering accessible and affordable financial services products designed for underserved areas. In this paper, the author studies the transformation in fintech and inclusive growth with references, cases, and best practices of lead ICT enabled initiatives all over India. Its indicative of how digital technology, from blockchain to AI to machine learning improve transparency and lowers transaction costs while managing risk for underserved communities. But there are also formidable barriers to crossing, like digital literacy gaps, infrastructure inadequacies, and social norms. The results underscore the role of collaborative relationships between public and private entities, the regulatory environment, and community-driven strategies to support sound fintech ecosystems. Designing targeted interventions bringing awareness and enabling men, women & other marginalized communities with gender-responsiveness of fintech financial products and services would be an enabler for the country to achieve inclusive and sustainable development for all, leaving no one behind. |
| Keywords: Financial Inclusion, Women Empowerment, Underserved Communities, Digital Payments, Inclusive Growth, and Gender-Responsive Finance |
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| Date of Publication: 2025-12-31 |
| Published Volume & Issue: Volume - III & Issue - 4 |
