WOMEN’S DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDIA: A PATHWAY TOWARDS SDG 5 AND SDG 8

Abstract

This study examines the role of digital financial inclusion in promoting women’s entrepreneurship in India and its contribution towards SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Using secondary data from the World Bank, PMJDY, NPCI, Government of India and related institutional sources, the study adopts a descriptive and analytical approach. Findings reveal that women’s financial account ownership reached 89.2% in 2024, compared with 88.8% for men. As of August 2026, women constituted approximately 55.7% of 59.15 crore PMJDY beneficiaries. India’s digital ecosystem also processed over 22 billion UPI transactions monthly during April–June 2026. Furthermore, women received approximately two-thirds of MUDRA loans by number, while women MSMEs secured over ₹28,000 crore in GeM contract value during FY 2025–26. The study concludes that strengthening digital literacy, entrepreneurial credit and market access can transform financial inclusion into sustainable women-led entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.