Assessing the role of Digital Technology in bridging the gender gap for women in South Africa’s Fintech industry

Abstract

Digital tech transforms finance and boosts inclusion. South Africa's fintech industry helps close gender gaps; research evaluates digital solutions to overcome barriers for women and promote progress in this evolving sector. Analysis shows how platforms and mobile banking improve inclusiveness for female empowerment towards financial equity across industries, including marginalised groups. This research aims to study how digital technology can reduce the gender gap in South Africa's fintech sector. The method used is quantitative, integrating the UTAUT framework and sampling 224 participants through a quota-based approach. Factors affecting women's acceptance of fintech are analyzed, including adoption levels, effort expectancy, social influence, enabling conditions, and behavioural intention for future trends among female professionals in the industry. The empirical analysis combined with experience-driven insights will enhance professional growth trajectories for underrepresented groups like females within larger organisational frameworks comprised mostly of elite bodies where access remains limited due to specific barriers hindering progressiveness. These efforts foster diversity, improve efficacy across value streams, and support the biodiversity agenda, increasing productivity when embraced rather than sidelined. South African women in fintech see digital tech as beneficial for financial inclusion and growth but face obstacles due to infrastructural and gender-specific work issues. Effort and social influence drive female utilisation of digital tech within the sector. Digital technology empowers South African fintech women for gender equality and economic growth. Suggestions include female-focused tech programs, inclusive regulatory policies, and collaborations between the government and private sector to promote diversity in fintech