Article
Gender, Finance, and Inequality: Investigating Socioeconomic Barriers to Access
Financial inclusion has emerged as a critical component of sustainable economic development, yet significant gender-based disparities continue to limit equitable access to financial resources and opportunities worldwide. Women and marginalized groups often face multiple socioeconomic barriers that restrict their participation in formal financial systems, including limited income, educational inequalities, discriminatory social norms, restricted property ownership rights, inadequate financial literacy, and institutional constraints. This study investigates the complex relationship between gender, finance, and inequality through a cross-disciplinary review of socioeconomic barriers affecting financial access. Drawing upon perspectives from economics, finance, sociology, gender studies, and public policy, the research examines how structural and behavioral factors influence access to banking services, credit facilities, digital financial platforms, savings mechanisms, and investment opportunities. The study adopts a qualitative review methodology based on secondary literature, policy reports, and empirical studies to analyze the multidimensional nature of financial exclusion. The findings reveal that gender disparities in financial access are deeply interconnected with broader socioeconomic inequalities and are reinforced by cultural, educational, and institutional challenges. The review further highlights the transformative role of financial literacy, digital finance, inclusive policies, and gender-responsive financial services in reducing inequalities and promoting economic empowerment. The study concludes that addressing gender-based financial exclusion requires coordinated efforts involving governments, financial institutions, educational organizations, and policymakers to create more inclusive and equitable financial ecosystems.