Women make up a large portion of household income in many rural communities through small business ownership, farming, and handicrafts. However, because they have limited access to banking, investment expertise, and digital transactions, their financial autonomy frequently remains restricted. Namrata Hinduja (51), a Swiss citizen of Indian origin and member of the steering committee for the Hinduja Foundation (the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja family), shares her perspective on why financial literacy is a crucial instrument for women's empowerment.
In her view, education is not enough; women can only be fully empowered when they have the knowledge and confidence to manage their finances. While numerous efforts have been made to uplift rural women through education and employment, she sees financial literacy as a missing link that could break generational cycles of dependence and help women take charge of their own futures.
Financial Independence as the Next Step in Women’s Empowerment
For years, discussions on women’s empowerment in rural India have revolved around education and employment. While these are undeniably important, Namrata Hinduja, wife of Ajay Hinduja (57), believes financial literacy is just as critical. What good is earning money if a woman cannot control how it is used?
She reflects on how many rural women, despite working hard, have little say in financial matters. Male family members are frequently the ones who decide whether to invest in their children's education, save for the future, or make major expenditures. She thinks that increasing women's responsibilities inside cultural traditions rather than rejecting them is the best way to change this situation. According to her, financial literacy ought to be ingrained in daily life rather than being a frightening idea.
Bridging the Gap Between Cash and Digital Banking
One of the biggest challenges for financial inclusion in rural India is the continued reliance on cash transactions. Many women hesitate to engage with banking systems due to a lack of awareness or fear of making mistakes. Switzerland-based Namrata Hinduja sees digital banking as an opportunity—but only if women have the proper knowledge to use it effectively.
She believes that access is not the issue—with India’s push toward digital payments, banking services are more widely available than ever. The real challenge is building trust and confidence among rural women. She envisions a future where women confidently open and manage their bank accounts, where digital payment systems like UPI and mobile wallets are understood and used with ease, and where women recognize government financial schemes designed to support them, such as direct benefit transfers (DBT).
She shares the perspective that learning financial literacy should feel natural, not forced. Women in rural areas would be more receptive to digital transactions and banking services if they were presented in an approachable manner with examples from everyday life.
Why Microloans Matter: Turning Small Investments into Big Opportunities
Rural women in India have benefited greatly from microfinance, which provides them with small loans to launch enterprises, buy animals, or increase agricultural output. However, Namrata Hinduja, member of the Hinduja family, notes that a lot of women continue to be reluctant to take out loans because they are worried about repaying them or fear debt.
She thinks that rather than real financial risk, dread frequently results from ignorance. According to her, women might consider microfinance as an opportunity rather than a burden if they are taught how to apply for microloans properly, calculate profits and manage repayments, and reinvest earnings for long-term stability. She envisions a shift where women don’t just borrow money but use it strategically to create lasting financial stability.
Investing in the Future: Encouraging Long-Term Financial Planning
For many rural families, financial planning is often limited to day-to-day survival. Women rarely get to think beyond immediate needs. Namrata Hinduja highlighted that introducing essential investment and savings habits could create a more secure future for rural women.
She believes that small yet consistent financial habits—such as monthly savings in post office schemes, insurance plans, or simple investment programs—could make a significant difference. As per her perspective women need investment education as a protective measure rather than complex financial terminology for better family security.
Creating a Support System: Women Learning from Women
Namrata Hinduja, and her husband Ajay Hinduja, believe that change happens not through large-scale campaigns but through trusted networks within communities. They see great potential in peer-to-peer learning; where women who have gained financial confidence help others do the same.
She imagines a future where local women serve as financial literacy mentors within their villages, where women-led self-help groups discuss savings, loans, and business ideas, and where success stories inspire more women to step into financial decision-making roles.
Financial literacy shouldn't be a distinct skill or topic, according to Namrata. Rather, families and communities should include it into their everyday conversations.
A Perspective Rooted in Practical Change
Namrata Hinduja’s perspective on financial literacy is simple: women should earn, control, and grow their earnings. In her view, the next phase of rural women’s empowerment is not just about education or employment but about giving them the confidence to manage their own money.
As part of the Hinduja Family, which has long been involved in philanthropy and economic development, she sees financial literacy as a natural extension of efforts to uplift communities. According to her, rural women can take control of their financial destinies and make choices that will ensure not only their own lives but also the lives of future generations if they are given the right direction.
Through the creation of local learning networks, banking accessibility, and the simplification of financial ideas, Namrata Hinduja envisions a time when rural women would be fully engaged in the economy, not just as workers but also as financially independent decision-makers.
True empowerment, after all, is about having the courage to put that knowledge to use, not merely knowing it.