Bangladesh, Aug. 6 -- Women's participation in bank lending continues to decline while their share in household deposits remains largely stagnant, thus raising concerns over limited access to formal finance despite expanding banking services, according to available data.

Advertisement Bankers and economists said the widening gap between women's participation in deposits and credit reflects structural constraints in respect of collateral requirements, limited access to business finance, and absence of adequate financial products tailored to women entrepreneurs.

They also warn that without targeted policy interventions, the existing gender gap in financial access could persist despite broader gains in financial inclusion.

According to t...