Gender Disparity in the Digitalization of Financial Services: Challenges and Promises for Weaker Women Entrepreneurs in the Pune District

Author(s)	Dr. Sangeeta Bandgar
Country	India
Abstract	This research paper investigates the persistent gender gap in the adoption and utilization of digital financial services (DFS) among socio-economically disadvantaged women entrepreneurs in Pune District, Maharashtra. While India’s fintech revolution has garnered global attention, the grassroots reality for small-scale female entrepreneurs remains complex. The study adopts a quantitative approach, analyzing responses from 342 women entrepreneurs selected through stratified random sampling. The results indicate that while mobile penetration is high, the "usage gap" persists due to lack of digital literacy, security concerns, and socio-cultural barriers. Hypotheses testing via Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveals that perceived risk and social influence significantly impact the intention to use fintech. The findings suggest that digitalization offers immense promise for financial inclusion, yet structural disparities in Pune's urban-rural fringe hinder equitable progress. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for targeted financial literacy programs and gender-sensitive fintech UI/UX design.
Keywords	Fintech Adoption, Gender Disparity, Pune District, Women Entrepreneurship, Digital Financial Services, Financial Inclusion.
Field	Mathematics > Economy / Commerce
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-01-01

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