Bridging the Confidence Gap: An Empirical Study of Digital Financial Literacy and Women’s Economic Empowerment in Urban India

In the contemporary landscape of rapid technological integration, digital financial literacy (DFL) has evolved into a cornerstone for achieving gender parity and sustainable economic empowerment. As financial ecosystems transition toward mobile-centric platforms and digital payment architectures, the ability to navigate these tools independently determines a woman’s level of economic agency. This research investigates the gendered nuances of digital financial proficiency and its subsequent impact on economic autonomy within an urban setting. Utilizing primary data gathered from a targeted sample of 40 urban respondents (26 female and 14 male), the study employs a structured five-point Likert scale to measure diverse dimensions of digital engagement. The analysis focuses on several critical metrics: operational self-efficacy, cybersecurity awareness, penetration of digital payment systems, and future-ready digital preparedness. Through a percentage-based comparative framework, the findings indicate that the traditional "first-level" digital divide—characterized by a lack of access to devices or connectivity—is virtually non-existent in this urban set up. Instead, a more subtle "second-level" divide is identified, rooted in variations in independent confidence and risk assessment. Notably, the data reveals that despite superior academic qualifications, female respondents often adopt a more cautious approach toward digital safety compared to their male counterparts. These results challenge the conventional tale of women as digital laggards. The study highlights a pivotal shift from infrastructural exclusion to a disparity in advanced skill application and digital self-assurance. For policymakers and financial institutions, the implications are clear that the focus must move beyond providing connectivity toward fostering advanced capacity- 123 building initiatives. Strengthening digital financial agency among women is essential for accelerating entrepreneurial participation