Financial Literacy: A Step Towards Inclusivity

Digital literacy is no longer a mere upskilling process that would eventually lead to better opportunities. As days pass by, its purpose is getting more aligned with fundamental aspects of the society, urban or rural, around which every other basic functioning stems out. In this regard, digital literacy plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the rural community stays inclusive of such transformation avoiding the widening of the rural and urban divide. Under this umbrella, digital financial literacy is one of the aspects that smoothes out the transition in the rural communities. 

Digital and Financial Literacy workshops were conducted at the CIRCs in Kherla, Binwan, Malab and Chawa villages and was facilitated by Mr. Shokak Ali, an expert on financial banking. The workshop was mainly organised for the women of the villages who do not have much knowledge on banking and financial services. The specific objectives of the workshop were to assist the participants to develop an understanding of financial service facilities of banks by providing appropriate knowledge and explain to them how it can unlock various career opportunities.

Around 130-140 women participated in the workshops. The workshop began with a warm-up session in which the facilitator gauged the knowledge of financial literacy among the participants through an informal interaction. A detailed discussion was held on financial services, banking security and safety.  The women were also taught about account opening processes and various insurance policies. The women who participated in the workshop found the session very helpful. They showed interest in implementing the knowledge and information gathered at the workshop to conduct their banking. It is hoped that financial literacy helps them stay more alert and utilize the services available to them for their growth.