Assessment of the Gender Gap in Access to Digital Financial Services in Burkina Faso

The objective of this research is to understand the current and potential role of digital financial services (DFS) in the lives of female entrepreneurs in Burkina Faso to increase their empowerment and resilience. The research framework was designed to explore the interconnectedness of DFS barriers and the impact of DFS on women's entrepreneurial activities. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with female entrepreneurs, DFS agents, and other stakeholders to gather data. The analysis revealed that DFS use and barriers are gendered and reflect societal norms, highlighting the need for a long-term perspective. Key findings indicate that women are more likely to need and want agent assistance, rely on a friend or family member to help them use DFS, and express unease using DFS. Lack of means, education, and awareness are the main barriers to women's DFS use, particularly in rural areas. These barriers operate at the societal level and will require long-term effort to overcome. The study also found that female entrepreneurs need more information about the DFS value proposition and more tools to make informed decisions. Trainings, media campaigns, and similar activities can help increase knowledge among female entrepreneurs of the requirements and benefits of DFS. The private sector could consider new financial products compatible with small but frequent transactions. Engaging women's families and social networks may help tackle norms that discourage gender-equitable financial inclusion. The study suggests incorporating households and broader social networks into gender-inclusive DFS. Finding and engaging with trusted intermediaries can help reduce the potential for divisiveness when increasing women's financial activities, digital or otherwise. The research highlights the importance of giving female entrepreneurs access to certain digital services, making sure they know exactly how DFS can be integrated into their daily lives for their benefit, and engaging important people in their lives in order to build systemic support and goodwill among those who might otherwise be resistant to women using DFS. Recommendations for local decision makers include significant advocacy, policy, and programmatic efforts from governments, donors, and NGOs to support broader, gradual social and cultural shifts regarding the roles and power accorded to women. Providers, conveners, and enablers are well-suited to follow up on these findings and apply these recommendations. The study's findings are relevant to those working to promote women's empowerment through digital financial inclusion in Burkina Faso and similar contexts. The research points to the importance of giving female entrepreneurs access to certain digital services, making sure they know exactly how DFS can be integrated into their daily lives for their benefit, and engaging important people in their lives in order to build systemic support and goodwill among those who might otherwise be resistant to women using DFS.