Thiruvananthapuram: A recent NITI Aayog report has highlighted Kerala as one of the leading states in women’s financial independence and financial inclusion, ranking sixth in absolute numbers. The report, released on the occasion of International Women’s Day, underscores Kerala’s strong banking access, high female literacy, and progressive policies that have empowered women economically.
The findings reflect the impact of Kerala’s robust self-help group (SHG) networks, Kudumbashree mission, and government-led financial literacy programs. The state’s high workforce participation among educated women and better access to banking, credit, and digital transactions have played a crucial role in ensuring financial security.
Compared to many other states, Kerala’s women enjoy better access to financial resources, formal employment opportunities, and government welfare schemes. However, the report also highlights the need for more leadership roles for women and higher workforce participation, which remains a challenge despite the state’s progress.
With a focus on continued policy-driven empowerment, Kerala remains a model state for financial inclusion, setting an example for the rest of the country in ensuring economic independence for women.
