FINANCIAL LITERACY OF WOMEN MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS
Financial literacy may be the greatest factor to the success of women entrepreneurship which play a crucial role in the Philippine economy. Microenterprises empower women economically, socially, and politically. However, their self-confidence and decision-making abilities are largely influenced by their financial literacy. The unprecedented impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic crisis on microbusinesses have posed challenges for women who have to carry on financial management based on their current financial knowledge. This research determined the level of financial literacy among 50 dry goods vendors in Subic Zambales, Philippines, in terms of their financial knowledge, financial behavior, and financial attitude, the three aspects of financial literacy on how they managed their funds and finances during the pandemic. This quantitative study which used a semi-structured survey showed that the respondents are very highly financially literate, their financial behavior and their financial attitude varies depending on their age. The current findings may be useful for government institutions formulating policies, programs, and services in line with gender and development towards women empowerment. Further research on other influencing factors and needs for enhancing women entrepreneurs’ financial literacy is highly recommended.
Financial Literacy, Women’s Economic Independence, Women Financial Empowerment, Women’s Financial Behaviour