BRIDGING THE GENDER GAP IN FINANCE THROUGH DIGITAL GROUP SAVINGS

It is observed that the gender disparity in access to finance remains one of the factors that restrict the economicperformance and empowerment of women in most parts of the world. The article discusses the ways that digital groupsavings models (between mobile-enabled savings groups and blockchain-based tontines) are transforming financialinclusion among women. The idea of the research is to underline the fact that such digital tools can provide not onlythe access to financial resources but also help to build collective resiliency, trust, and long-term economic agency.The analysis evaluates how the mobile banking, fintech application, and digital record-keeping systems have reshapedwomen self-help groups and local savings platforms using a review of recent efforts and documented practices. Theevidence indicates that women who join online savings groups are said to have greater financial literacy, access tocredit and have more control over decision making in households and at community levels. Besides, the diversity andinclusion aspect of online portals assists in lowering the geographic, cost, and social norms barriers. The articleconcludes that online group savings should be viewed as an avenue that will allow reducing financial disparities andunlock sustainable and gender-based economic development.