Abstract:
This in-depth paper presents the environment in which women’s financial inclusion takes place in Cameroon; provides information about access to and quality of financial services; and assesses the readiness of the financial sector to better serve women. In Cameroon, principal financial services are dominated by remittances and informal savings. The position of women is weak. Though there is a National Gender Equality Policy, this doesn’t extend to economic empowerment. Customary law limits access to and control of assets. However, research demonstrates that women’s financial inclusion promotes greater equality and societal well-being; women channel a large share to children’s nutrition, clothing, health and education.