What drive gender gap in financial inclusion? Evidence from Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract This article analyses the drivers of the gender gap in financial inclusion in Cameroon, using Finscope 2017 data and Fairlie's decomposition method. We analyse six distinct financial inclusion variables captured by access to and use of financial inclusion products and services. The results of the decomposition show that there is a gap in all indicators of access to and use of financial products and services in favour of men. The results also show that the largest contributor to the gender gap in access to financial products and services is income, with a contribution of more than 50%. The largest contributor to the gender gap in the use of financial products and services is education, with an average contribution of more than 35%. Based on these results, policy‐makers in Cameroon must work towards an equalization of access to education between men and women, in order to promote greater economic participation of women as well as more inclusive development.