1. (Digital) cash transfers, privacy and women’s empowerment: Evidence from Uganda
- Author:
- Greco Giulia, Gulesci Selim, Prabhakar Pallavi, and Sulaiman Munshi
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), Brac University
- Abstract:
- This study reports findings from a randomized controlled trial in Uganda that provided unconditional cash transfers to married women, varying the payment method (cash or mobile money) and whether spouses were informed. Results show that mobile money transfers significantly enhance women’s economic independence and decision-making power, as reflected in increased personal labor income and greater say in household decisions. In contrast, cash transfers are more effective in reducing intimate partner violence (IPV), especially when both spouses are informed about the transfer. These findings reveal a critical trade-off: while digital payments promote women’s financial control, they may be less effective in addressing IPV. The study underscores the importance of considering both economic empowerment and safety outcomes when designing transfer programs for women.
- Topic:
- Economics, Women, Privacy, Empowerment, and Cash Transfers
- Political Geography:
- Uganda and Africa