Barriers and Opportunities in Women’s Access to Microfinance: A Study of Bijnor District

Akansha Sharma; Devesh Kumar

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.58361

Barriers and Opportunities in Women’s Access to Microfinance: A Study of Bijnor District

Author(s)	Ms. Akansha Sharma, Dr. Devesh Kumar
Country	India
Abstract	Abstract Microfinance has emerged as a critical instrument for advancing financial inclusion and women’s empowerment in India. While national programs such as the Self-Help Group (SHG)–Bank Linkage Programme have expanded access to credit, regional disparities persist, particularly in northern states where socio-cultural and institutional barriers remain pronounced. This study examines the accessibility of microfinance services for women in Bijnor District, Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on identifying barriers that hinder participation and opportunities that facilitate inclusion. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research draws on structured surveys of 150 women (borrowers, SHG members, and non-borrowers), supplemented by in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant inputs. Findings reveal that women’s access to microfinance is constrained by patriarchal norms, mobility restrictions, low household income, institutional requirements, and limited financial literacy. However, significant opportunities exist through SHG–bank linkages, government and NGO initiatives, emerging digital microfinance platforms, and collective women’s networks. Case snapshots highlight the lived realities of women negotiating these barriers and leveraging new opportunities to assert financial agency. The study concludes that while accessibility remains uneven, targeted interventions combining financial literacy, institutional sensitivity, and digital inclusion can strengthen women’s empowerment in Bijnor. Policy implications include simplifying banking procedures, aligning repayment schedules with rural income patterns, and expanding digital literacy programs. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of microfinance and compare regional variations across Uttar Pradesh to generate deeper insights into gendered financial inclusion.
Keywords	Keywords: Microfinance, Women’s Empowerment, Accessibility, Financial Inclusion, Bijnor District, SHGs
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-11-05
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.58361

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Barriers and Opportunities in Women’s Access to Microfinance: A Study of Bijnor District

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