Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment: A Systematic Review (Published)
Due to rising levels of poverty and inequality in the world, there is a need to study the nexus between financial inclusion and economic empowerment and how it can aid sustainable development. The United Nations has identified financial inclusion as a pertinent tool that can economically empower citizens and lead to inclusive and sustainable economic development. This study implemented the Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique and systematically reviewed the body of literature on the measurement of financial inclusion and economic empowerment as well as the impact of financial inclusion on economic empowerment. The review revealed financial inclusion is an essential enabler of economic empowerment as it provides individuals with means to access resources and advance their financial well-being. Recognizing and harnessing the potential of financial inclusion is pivotal in unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities, ultimately leading to inclusive economies worldwide.
Keywords: Economic Empowerment, Financial Inclusion, Review, systematic
Arts and Crafts as Veritable Sources of Economic Empowerment for Marginalized People in Nigeria (Published)
Man is an imaginary individual created by God in classical economic milieus and he is conceived of as behaving rationally, regularly and predictably in his economic activities with motives that are egoistic, acquisitive and short-term in outlook. From the beginning man was endowed by God with skills to adapt from objects in the natural world for his social, economic, political and material needs. Therefore, working for survival and meeting immediate needs are natural phenomena in human existence. Despite the natural endowment of God some people are still perceived by the human society as lacking desirable traits or deviating from the societal norms and therefore they tend to be excluded by the wider society in the scheme of things and they are ostracized or marginalized as undesirable. These marginalized people who are not self-sufficient become, at a minimum, burden to their immediate milieus, family members, friends and the society, at large. They lose their self confidence because they cannot be fully self supporting. The opportunities denied them also deprive them of many developmental projects that others, with greater opportunities, have accomplished over the years. This has, however, given many of such under privilege individuals psychological, social and even mental health problems. Economic empowerment through arts and crafts is the only means available for these marginalized people to obtain the basic human needs, either directly by themselves, or through the assistance of those who have access to funds that can be used to encourage and develop their skills for self sufficiency.
Keywords: Arts and Crafts, Economic, Economic Empowerment, Marginalized People, Milieus, Self Sufficiency