This exploratory study aimed to investigate the role of mobile financial services (MFS) in promoting female overseas labor market participation and to identify the barriers and enabling factors influencing MFS adoption among Bangladeshi migrant workers. Despite the potential of MFS to provide fast, secure, and affordable remittance services – along with the promise of greater financial inclusion and women’s empowerment – evidence suggested a significant gender gap in its usage. To address this gap, dRi conducted a large-scale survey among 2,500 randomly selected low-skilled migrant workers across Bangladesh. The sample included both male and female participants, divided into five sub-samples based on gender, work status, and question modules. The study explored adoption rates, socio-economic and knowledge-based barriers (such as digital and financial literacy), and factors promoting the use of digital remittance services. Findings from this research aimed to contribute to academic literature while also supporting the development of effective interventions to enhance digital financial inclusion and improve overseas employment opportunities for women.
Serial No: 287
Theme: Financial Inclusion
Research Method: Quantitative
Partner: American University of Sharjah
Starting Year: 2025
Study Area: Migrant-prone districts of Bangladesh (Country representative)
