Financial Inclusion Strategy and Women Economic Empowerment in Taraba State

Financial inclusion strategies that specifically target women have the potential to accelerate economic empowerment, reduce gender-based income disparities, and improve household welfare outcomes in underserved communities. This study examines the impact of financial inclusion interventions on the economic empowerment of women in Taraba State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Primary data are gathered from 250 women participants in microfinance programmes, mobile money platforms, and government social protection schemes across Jalingo, Bali, and Gashaka local government areas. The study measures economic empowerment through indicators of income growth, business ownership, savings accumulation, asset control, and decision-making autonomy. Data are analysed using structural equation modelling, propensity score matching to control for selection bias, and narrative analysis of qualitative responses. The theoretical framework integrates the financial capability framework, the gender and development literature, and the capability approach developed by Sen and Nussbaum. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, the Trader Moni scheme, and state-level women finance initiatives in the study area. Existing literature from the North East geopolitical zone is sparse due to historical data limitations from security disruptions, making this study particularly valuable. Findings are intended for the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs, the Central Bank of Nigeria's financial inclusion secretariat, and non-governmental organisations implementing gender-responsive financial programmes in the North East zone. Keywords: financial inclusion, women empowerment, Taraba State, gender finance, microfinance