Digital finance tools like security tokens, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and cryptocurrency are changing the financial industry and providing people with innovative ways to store value, invest, and transact. While these tools have been touted for their potential to disrupt traditional finance, their impact on women has not received as much attention. However, as they become increasingly popular, they could bring transformative benefits to women worldwide and promote financial inclusion.
Digital finance tools have the potential to bridge the gender gap in financial inclusion by allowing women who are often excluded from traditional financial systems to participate. According to a World Bank report, women are almost 10% less likely than men to have a bank account, and in some regions, the gap is even wider. This lack of access to financial services can have significant consequences, limiting women's ability to invest, save, and participate in the economy.