FINANCIAL LITERACY AND ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE AMONG YOUNG WOMEN IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

The rapid economic transformation of Uzbekistan has highlighted the 
critical role of financial literacy in facilitating the economic independence of 
young women. This paper presents a critical scientific literature review of recent 
peer-reviewed advancements in female financial inclusion, evaluating their 
socioeconomic impacts, implementation challenges, and theoretical boundaries. 
The review synthesizes findings on women's entrepreneurship and digital financial 
literacy, transitioning the discourse from basic banking access to comprehensive 
economic empowerment. Furthermore, the convergence of structural barriers, such 
as the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, is examined through the lens 
of emerging gender disparities in urban versus rural financial integration. Despite 
significant legislative reforms and an increase in female self-employment, a 
critical research gap persists regarding the systemic intersection of digital financial 
literacy programs and localized socioeconomic constraints. The study concludes 
that while targeted financial education and micro-lending dramatically enhance 
female economic agency, their long-term efficacy relies heavily on the future 
development of holistic public policies that address rural infrastructural deficits 
and unpaid care responsibilities.