Empowering Women through FinTech Adoption and Financial Inclusion in Wayanad, an Aspirational District

The advent of Financial Technology (FinTech) has revolutionized financial transactions, making them more accessible and convenient. This study investigates the factors influencing FinTech adoption and financial inclusion among women in Wayanad, a socio-economically disadvantaged district in India with a significant tribal population. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), this research examines the relationship between FinTech adoption and financial inclusion. A standardized and pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 242 respondents, selected through convenience sampling. The results reveal that Perceived Performance Expectancy (PPE), Social Influence (SI), and Trust (TR) significantly impact women's Behavioral Intention to adopt FinTech services (BI), ultimately promoting Financial Inclusion (FI). The findings highlight the importance of these factors in fostering financial inclusion among women in Wayanad, aligning with previous research while providing unique insights into the financial empowerment of women in this region. This study contributes to the understanding of FinTech adoption as a means to bridge the financial inclusion gap, informing policymakers and stakeholders on strategies to enhance financial access and empowerment for women in disadvantaged regions.