Factors associated with formal bank account ownership and internet access among reproductive age women in Somaliland using the 2020 Somaliland demographic and health survey

Abstract Background Financial inclusion and internet access are important drivers of women’s socioeconomic empowerment, yet evidence from fragile and low-resource settings remains limited. In Somaliland, nationally representative evidence on formal financial participation and digital connectivity among women is scarce. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of formal bank account ownership and internet access among women of reproductive age in Somaliland. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2020 Somaliland Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS). The analysis included 15,827 women aged 15–49 years. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the weighted prevalence of formal bank account ownership and internet access. Bivariate associations were examined using Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors independently associated with each outcome. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results The weighted prevalence of formal bank account ownership was 1.43%, while 6.92% of women reported internet use. Formal bank account ownership was positively associated with being aged 35–39 years (AOR = 6.28, 95% CI: 1.24–31.88), secondary education (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.20–4.84), belonging to a rich household (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.30–2.37), and residence in Sool region (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.41–3.43). Internet access was significantly associated with primary (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.75–3.01) and secondary education (AOR = 8.29, 95% CI: 5.75–11.95), literacy (AOR = 4.65, 95% CI: 3.49–6.20), middle (AOR = 5.86, 95% CI: 3.25–10.58) and rich household wealth (AOR = 23.30, 95% CI: 13.95–38.91), and mobile phone ownership, whereas older age was associated with lower odds of internet use. Conclusions This study found that formal bank account ownership and internet access were low among women of reproductive age in Somaliland. Educational attainment was consistently associated with both outcomes, while age, household wealth, mobile phone ownership, and region of residence were associated with one or both measures of financial and digital participation. These findings suggest that socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic disparities are important correlates of women’s access to formal banking and internet services. The results provide baseline evidence that may inform future research and support the development of context-specific strategies aimed at improving equitable access to financial and digital services among women in Somaliland.