Impact of Financial Knowledge on Financial Autonomy of Women Working in the Manufacturing Sector

Authors

  • Sarita Naomi Daniel Economics Department, Quaid-e-Millath Government college for Women, Chennai-02 https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5576-8644
  • Dr. J. Maheswari Associate professor, Economics Department, Quaid-e-Millath Government college for Women, Chennai-02

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53983/ijmds.v14n10.005

Keywords:

Digital Skills, Financial Autonomy, Women Empowerment, Manufacturing Sector, Financial Literacy, Employment Status, Inclusive Growth

Abstract

The rapid digitalisation of the manufacturing sector under Industry 4.0 has transformed the nature of women’s work and financial participation. This study explores how digital skills influence the financial autonomy of women employed in manufacturing industries such as textiles, garments, and food processing. Drawing on Kabeer’s (1999) framework of empowerment—resources, agency, and achievements—the research assesses how women’s access to technology affects their financial knowledge, decision-making power, and independence. Using primary data from 133 respondents, the study applies non-parametric tests such as the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests to examine variations in financial autonomy across income and employment groups. Results indicate that digital competence and stable employment significantly enhance women’s ability to manage finances, access credit, and exercise decision-making power. However, socio-cultural barriers and unequal access to technology continue to limit inclusive participation. The findings underscore the importance of integrating digital literacy training into workplace development programs to promote women’s sustainable financial empowerment.

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Author Biographies

Sarita Naomi Daniel, Economics Department, Quaid-e-Millath Government college for Women, Chennai-02

Sarita Naomi Daniel is a Research Scholar in the department of Economics at Quaid-E-Millath Government college for women, anna salai, Chennai-2. She began her academic journey by completing her B.A. in Economics from Anna Adarsh College for women in the year 1994, then she completed her M.A. in Economics from Stella Maris College, in 1996 and M.Phil. in Economics from Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav college in the year 2022. She has also worked as a guest faculty for almost two years in Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav college. She also had been actively involved in seminars and workshop held by D.D.G.D Vaishnav college. She has attended online and offline workshops in Statistical tools like SPSS and Jamovi. She has also participated in various other online workshop such as tools used in research using artificial intelligence, etc.

Dr. J. Maheswari, Associate professor, Economics Department, Quaid-e-Millath Government college for Women, Chennai-02

Dr. J. Maheswari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Quaid-e-Millath Government College for Women, Chennai, with more than twenty-three years of teaching experience. She began her academic journey with a B.A. in Economics from Queen Mary’s College in 1989, followed by an M.A. in Economics from Presidency College in 1990 and an M.Phil. in Economics from Stella Maris College in 1991. She later earned her Ph.D. from the University of Madras in 2013, with her doctoral thesis focusing on the macroeconomic climate and sectoral determinants of foreign direct investment in India. Her academic excellence has been widely recognized through several awards, including the Best Faculty Award in 2020, the Global Eminent Teacher Award in 2021, the Indian Women Achiever Award in 2022, and the Women Educationist Excellence Award in 2023. Beyond teaching and research, she has contributed extensively as a subject expert for curriculum development, textbook review, and examination boards, while also serving as a chairperson and resource person at seminars and conferences. She has authored study materials for the Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras, and actively participates in academic workshops, refresher courses, and faculty development programmes. Dedicated to both academic growth and student development, Dr. Maheswari continues to contribute significantly to the field of economics through her teaching, research, and mentorship, making her a respected figure in higher education.

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Published

14-10-2025

How to Cite

Daniel, S. N., and J. Maheswari. “Impact of Financial Knowledge on Financial Autonomy of Women Working in the Manufacturing Sector”. International Journal of Management and Development Studies, vol. 14, no. 10, Oct. 2025, pp. 48-58, doi:10.53983/ijmds.v14n10.005.

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 10 (2025): International Journal of Management and Development Studies

Section

Articles