Between Paychecks: Gaps in Liquidity Management among Low-Income Women
Low-income women workers in rural Karnataka, India, face financial struggles due to short-term liquidity issues. Despite steady incomes, many resort to informal loans or cutting back on essentials like food, healthcare, and education, impacting their well-being. A study of 834 garment factory workers (October 2023–July 2024) reveals coping mechanisms like reducing expenses, deferring payments, or borrowing small interest-free loans. Nearly 27% reported cutting expenditures, with food and school fees most affected. The findings highlight the need for accessible financial products and support to improve women’s financial resilience, reduce stress, and enable better management of routine and unexpected costs.