Publications

The research defines financial inclusion as the process of making sure vulnerable groups,like low-income individuals and the less privileged, have access to financial services andreasonable credit when they need it, at an affordable cost. This study focused onenhancing financial inclusion and socio-economic empowerment among individuals withdisabilities in the Rwanda Union of the Blind. Using a descriptive and correlation researchdesign, the researcher employed two primary data collection methods: questionnairesand interviews with structured questions for the respondents. The study involved 2400members of the Rwanda Union of the Blind, with a sample size of 96 visually impairedindividuals selected using the Yamane formula. Both quantitative and qualitativemethods were used for data analysis, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient used toestablish relationships between variables. The study's findings highlighted a 43% positiveimpact of financial inclusion on the socio-economic empowerment of people with visualimpairment. Some respondents, particularly those who accessed loans from banks,acknowledged that financial services enabled them to excel in economic activities.Nevertheless, most respondents faced challenges due to discrimination and the absenceof collateral, especially among disabled youth, hindering their access to finance. Toachieve full financial inclusion, the study recommended that Microfinance Institutions orBanks should ensure equal opportunities and access to credit and financial services forindividuals with disabilities. This can be achieved by providing information in formatsaccessible to them and making service points physically accessible. The governmentshould promote awareness and involvement of visually impaired individuals in incomegeneratingactivities. Additionally, it was suggested that people with visual impairmentshould be encouraged to confidently apply for financial services.Keywords: Financial inclusion, Visual impairment, Socioeconomic empowerment,Financial services, People with disabilities.