Gender and Digital Payments: Men and Women’s Experience to VUP Safety Nets in Rwanda. Case Study of Nyamagabe District

Abstract

The research explores the topic of gender and digital payments, focusing on men and women experience to VUP safety nets in Nyamagabe District. The study aims to understand how gender influences the utilisation of these services, including the distinct benefits and challenges encountered by men and women, and how these experiences shape intra-familial gender relations. The study employed a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 36 VUP beneficiaries representing direct support, public works, and nutrition-sensitive direct support components, and 8 key informants from sector, district, and central levels. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and insights related to men's and women's experiences in digital payments. The findings reveal that while digital payments offer convenience, security, and financial inclusion, their adoption and utilisation are influenced by gender dynamics. Women often face barriers such as limited phone ownership, lower digital literacy, and societal norms that restrict their financial autonomy. The study also highlights the transformative potential of digital payments in enhancing economic stability and empowering beneficiaries, particularly women, to engage in financial decision-making. The research concludes that addressing gender disparities and technical challenges is crucial for ensuring equitable access and utilisation of digital payment systems. It recommends comprehensive digital literacy training, user-friendly interfaces, ongoing support, community engagement, agent network expansion, gender sensitive financial literacy training, infrastructure investment, domestic violence support, data-driven policies, gender mainstreaming, and public-private partnerships. The study contributes to the understanding of gender dynamics in digital financial inclusion initiatives and provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners to promote equitable and inclusive digital financial services