Authors : Dr. Kiran Kumar Pant; Dr. Pratibha Shah

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4r4tw5sa

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1912

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Microfinance has become an important approach for improving women’s access to financial resources, especially for those who are unable to benefit from formal banking systems. By providing small loans, savings opportunities, and support through self-help groups, microfinance initiatives aim to strengthen women’s economic independence and social participation. The present study examines the level of awareness among college students regarding microfinance and its role in promoting women’s empowerment. The research is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to students pursuing higher education across different academic streams. The study explores students’ understanding of microfinance services, their familiarity with the concept of financial inclusion, and their views on how access to financial support can enhance women’s decision-making power, incomegenerating capacity, and overall social status. Students represent an important segment of society as future professionals, consumers, and decision-makers. Therefore, assessing their awareness provides insight into how financial empowerment initiatives are understood among educated youth. A descriptive research design is adopted to analyze the collected responses and identify general patterns of awareness. The study does not focus on direct participation in microfinance programmes but rather on knowledge and understanding of their purpose and impact. The findings are expected to indicate whether students recognize microfinance as a meaningful tool for promoting gender equity and economic participation among women. By examining awareness levels among college students, the study highlights the role of education in shaping attitudes toward financial inclusion and social development. The research contributes to academic discussions on microfinance and women’s empowerment by presenting evidence from the perspective of young learners and emphasizing the importance of spreading financial awareness for inclusive growth.

Keywords : Microfinance, Women Empowerment, Financial Inclusion, Student Awareness.

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