Digitizing Women’s Money Management

Understanding the dynamics influencing financial management practices among women in economically disadvantaged households.

Project Introduction

Women in low-income households face unique challenges from irregular and unpredictable incomes, and existing financial services often have gaps that make it difficult for them to access money when they need it. Dvara Research conducted a survey to understand the financial management practices of women in low-income households and to explore how they could be supported in transitioning to digital payment apps. Central to the intervention was the ‘Sakhi’ — a female peer from the local community who introduced participants to a UPI app, providing active support in the first phase before this assistance was withdrawn in the second.

Partners

Researchers

Project Methodology

Selection criteria covered socio-economic background, mobile phone access, and existing banking services. Before data collection began, the team ran a Trust-Building Training of Trainers for research associates, field managers, supervisors, enumerators, and Gramin Vikas Trust monitoring officers and Sakhis, focused on building trust between enumerators and Sakhis ahead of collecting highly sensitive transactional data on a fortnightly basis. The survey also captured non-transactional information — financial goals, savings plans, the urgency of needs, and income-generating activities. At endline, the survey examined participants’ experience using the payment app, its usefulness and limitations, and their feedback on the Sakhi’s support.

Impact

The project offered a unique opportunity to collaborate with multiple stakeholders on the collection of highly sensitive financial data, which demanded extensive trust-building with each respondent, complex survey instruments capable of capturing an accurate picture, and careful management of a substantial volume of data. It required a uniquely context-sensitive approach, anchored in trust-building training for the field team, strong on-ground rapport with respondents and Sakhis, and consistency in follow-up visits to ensure successful data collection from the start of the project through to its close.

Documentation

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