BRIDGING THE GENDER DIGITAL DIVIDE THROUGH MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN BIHAR

DR. PIYUSH RANJAN SAHAY ,DR. MALA KUMARI UPADHYAY,DR. JAY PRAKASH,DR. GITA RANI SAHU

The growing digital divide between men and women continues to impede financial inclusion and empowerment in rural India, particularly in Bihar, where social norms and infrastructural limitations restrict women’s access to digital tools. This study explores how microfinance institutions (MFIs) act as intermediaries in bridging the gender digital divide by promoting digital financial literacy, mobile banking, and digital entrepreneurship among women. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data (n = 720 women) from three districts—Patna, Gaya, and Nalanda—with secondary data from NABARD (2024) and JEEViKA (2024) reports, the study evaluates the role of MFIs in enhancing women’s digital participation. The results reveal that women’s digital literacy, confidence, and financial independence significantly improved through targeted interventions by MFIs, especially when combined with group-based learning and peer mentorship. Regression analysis indicates that digital training, duration of MFI membership, and education level strongly predict digital adoption levels (p < 0.05). However, persistent challenges include limited smartphone ownership, cultural resistance, and low awareness of online safety. The study concludes that microfinance can be a key lever for digital inclusion by integrating gender-sensitive digital literacy programs and fostering community-based technology adoption. Policy recommendations emphasize partnerships between MFIs, fintech firms, and government agencies to create an ecosystem that empowers rural women as digitally enabled economic agents.