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Men and Women Savings Culture
Nigerian men have more financial accounts than women.
The World Bank Data shows that there is a significant gender gap when it comes to owning financial accounts in Nigeria.
A study says that Financial accounts provide a systematic way of organising and managing financial information, which helps in assessing the economic health, performance and position of an entity.
In Nigeria, 55.45% of Nigerian men have financial accounts compared to 34.96% of women.
But why do women hold back than men in owning formal bank accounts?
According to the IMF, women entrepreneurs often do not even attempt to apply for loans in the credit market due to factors like low financial literacy, risk aversion, and fear of failure.
Men Prefer Formal savings
While men own financial accounts, they tend to save more money in their bank accounts. They save their money in their bank accounts more than women.
A study shows savings are generally made by putting aside cash in a savings account in a bank, and this amount can be used in emergencies or to attain a short-term goal. Saving money helps to build wealth and also have funds to face an economic crisis.
The 2021 World Bank data shows that 57.36% of Nigerian men saved more money in their accounts than 53.64% of women.
Men and Women Borrowing Culture
Nigerian men borrow more funds from formal financial institutions than women.
Men with financial accounts borrow more than women from financial institutions they have an account with. These financial institutions are banks and other licensed financial institutions approved by the government.
For instance, one of the criteria for loan eligibility in financial institutions is that ‘’You must have an active account at least 6 months old with the bank’’ before being granted a loan.
Women Prefer Borrowing from the Saving Club
When women borrow money, they borrow from savings clubs more than men.
In a savings club, the holder makes regular contributions toward a predetermined goal. People with like financial needs come together under these clubs to achieve a targeted interest.
These clubs often provide incentives to encourage customers to follow through with their intended contributions.
As of 2021, the percentage of women who borrowed money from savings clubs is 6.55% compared to 4.47% of men who borrowed from the club.
Why do women borrow more from savings clubs?
According to the International Women’s Development Agency, the Savings clubs lend money and help their members grow. Aside from the freedom that comes with financial independence, the clubs have also created a strong sense of community and sisterhood among the women members.
Women Borrow More for Medical Purposes
When it comes to the purpose of borrowing, women borrow more money to pay for their medical bills and other health-related issues than men.
Kafilat Taiwo is a Data Journalist & Research executive at Dataphyte with a background in mass communication. She uses research and data to tell stories around Health, Accountability, Gender, Solutions journalism and Investigative reporting to influence change and development.
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