Budget Rani – Women’s Financial Inclusion Programme

Building financial confidence and decision-making power among women from low-income households.

Timeline: Since December 2021 | Location: Hyderabad

Context:

Women from low-income households are often responsible for managing day-to-day expenses while having limited access to financial knowledge, banking systems, and long-term savings tools. Financial exclusion can reduce women’s independence, decision-making power, and economic security.

Project Approach:

Budget Rani was designed to strengthen women’s financial literacy through accessible, community-focused learning tools tailored to the realities of domestic workers and women from low-income communities. The programme focused on practical financial skills that could support everyday budgeting, savings, and long-term financial planning.

Our Intervention:

• Developed customised financial literacy modules on budgeting, savings, and investments
• Conducted workshops with women domestic workers in Hyderabad
• Introduced interactive learning methods including games, discussions, and practical exercises
• Created a Snakes & Ladders-based learning tool to simplify financial concepts
• Provided information on government savings schemes, pensions, and health insurance programmes
• Supported women in understanding formal financial systems and improving financial confidence

Key Learnings:

• Financial literacy programmes are most effective when grounded in everyday realities
• Interactive and community-based learning improves participation and retention
• Women benefit from sustained support and accessible explanations of financial systems
• Awareness of government schemes remains limited among many low-income households

Why We Think This Matters: Financial inclusion is closely linked to women’s autonomy, security, and participation in public life. By strengthening women’s confidence in managing money and accessing financial services, Budget Rani aimed to create pathways toward greater economic independence.