Abstract
This study explored access of rural women to financial services in Imo
State of Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the challenges faced by rural
women in accessing financial instruments, the factors that influence rural
women’s access to financial instruments and the measures that can be
taken to ameliorate the challenges faced by rural women in accessing
financial services. The area of the study was rural areas of Imo State. A
total of 350 female respondents were used for this study and structured
questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Results from the
study show that lack of information and relative unavailability of formal
financial institutions are challenges that limit rural women access to
financial instruments. To ameliorate these challenges, financial education
and introduction of rural financial services are needed.