Empowering Rural Women through Financial Inclusion: Assessing the Impact of Banking Access on Economic Independence in Fatehabad District of Haryana State
Pooja, Research Scholar,
Shri JJT University, Jhunjhunu
Dr. Shiv Kumar, Supervisor, Shri JJT University, Jhunjhunu
Abstract :Financial inclusion has emerged as a critical driver for women's empowerment in rural India, particularly in regions like Haryana where gender disparities persist. This study examines the impact of varying levels of banking access on the economic independence of rural women in Fatehabad district, Haryana. Using a sample of 100 rural women stratified into three groups based on banking access (no access, basic access, and full access), a composite Economic Independence Score (EIS) was assessed through a structured survey. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to test differences in EIS means across groups. Results indicate significant differences (F(2, 97) = 45.35, p < 0.001), with post-hoc Tukey HSD tests confirming higher EIS in groups with greater banking access. These findings underscore the role of financial services in fostering economic autonomy, offering policy recommendations for enhanced banking outreach in rural Haryana.
Keywords: Financial Inclusion, Women's Empowerment, Economic Independence, ANOVA, Rural Haryana
