By Khizra Massab
This study examines how digital financial tools—such as mobile banking and online payment systems are helping women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) become more economically empowered. Using survey data from Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt, this paper explores how access to digital finance affects women’s income, business activity, and financial independence. The results show that digital financial inclusion significantly improves women’s ability to save money, start or expand small businesses, and make independent financial decisions. However, barriers such as digital illiteracy and gender norms still limit the full impact. The study offers practical policy suggestions to improve access and participation.
Introduction
Across the world, digital tools like mobile banking, e-wallets, and online payments are changing how people manage their money. In many developing regions, these tools have helped people who were previously left out of the formal financial system. This process is known as digital financial inclusion.
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), many women still do not have access to traditional banking. As a result, they are unable to save, borrow, or invest safely. This limits their role in the economy and keeps them financially dependent. However, digital finance may offer a solution by lowering the cost and difficulty of accessing financial services.
This study asks:
- How does digital finance impact women’s income, savings, and business activities in the MENA region?
- What are the barriers that prevent women from fully using digital financial tools?
Literature Review
Previous research suggests that financial inclusion plays a strong role in reducing poverty and promoting gender equality (Demirgüç-Kunt et al., 2022). Women with access to financial services are more likely to invest in education, healthcare, and business.
In many parts of the MENA region, traditional banks have strict requirements that many women cannot meet—such as needing male guarantors or fixed income. Digital tools, like mobile money apps and online wallets, offer more flexibility and privacy (GSMA, 2021).
However, some studies also show that simply providing access to digital tools is not enough. Cultural norms, lack of digital skills, and limited access to smartphones can stop women from using these tools effectively (OECD, 2020).
This study fills a gap by comparing women’s digital finance experiences in three MENA countries and linking those experiences to real economic outcomes.
Methodology
The study used a comparative survey approach across three countries in the MENA region: Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt. A total of 750 women (250 from each country) were surveyed. The selection focused on women aged 18–55 in urban and semi-urban areas.
Key data collected included:
- Access to digital financial tools (mobile banking, e-wallets, digital savings)
- Changes in income and savings before and after using digital tools
- Business activity and financial independence
- Barriers to adoption (e.g., literacy, phone access, family restrictions)
Simple descriptive statistics were used to compare data across countries. Focus group discussions and interviews with selected women added depth to the findings.
Results
4.1 Access and Use of Digital Finance
- 65% of surveyed women used at least one digital financial tool.
- Use was highest in Jordan (71%), followed by Morocco (67%), and Egypt (58%).
- Most commonly used services were mobile wallets (52%), followed by digital savings accounts (36%).
4.2 Impact on Economic Empowerment
- Income Growth: 49% of users reported increased income after using digital finance—especially among women who ran small businesses.
- Savings: 61% said they were now able to save regularly using mobile wallets.
- Decision-Making: 44% reported greater freedom in managing household finances.
A Jordanian woman shared in an interview:
“Before, I had to ask my husband to go to the bank. Now I send and receive money myself.”
4.3 Barriers to Use
- Digital Literacy: 29% of non-users said they didn’t know how to use apps or phones.
- Device Access: 22% did not own a personal phone.
- Cultural Norms: In Egypt and Morocco, some women said their family discouraged independent financial behavior.
Discussion
The findings clearly show that digital finance has a positive effect on women’s economic empowerment. It allows for greater control over money, supports entrepreneurship, and improves savings habits. In contexts where formal banks are hard to access or culturally restricted, digital tools offer a new path to inclusion.
However, the impact is uneven. Women with smartphones, higher education, or support from family benefit more. Meanwhile, those with low literacy or social restrictions fall behind. Therefore, technology alone is not enough—it must be supported by education, infrastructure, and policy reform.
Government programs should consider subsidized smartphones, digital training sessions, and community awareness campaigns to expand access.
Conclusion
This study shows that digital financial tools can help women in the MENA region increase their income, save money, and make more independent financial choices. However, to reach all women—especially the poor and uneducated—governments and development agencies need to go further.
Key recommendations include:
- Expand digital literacy programs for women in low-income areas.
- Promote female-friendly mobile finance apps in local languages.
- Work with local leaders to address cultural barriers.
- Encourage banks and fintech companies to design inclusive tools.
Digital finance can be a powerful tool for gender equality—but only if access is truly universal.
