Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and economic empowerment of women, recognising that empowering women is not just an issue of equity and fairness but also an essential prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: This research used a survey method to gather data from the female population in northern India. The quantitative analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling with Smart PLS 4 software, based on the theoretical framework of economic empowerment theory. Findings: The results demonstrated a notable association between financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. The presence of active participation in financial services appears to contribute significantly to variations in women’s earnings, savings and accumulation of assets. Originality/value: This study contributes to guiding development agencies and policymakers by highlighting the importance of expanding financial services tailored to women and advocating inclusive banking.

Despite numerous global initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics aimed at mitigating climate change, promoting social welfare, and addressing a variety of other causes, progress has been significantly slower than expected, particularly in developing economies. Thus, we attempted to link corporate ESG to sustainable development. It was also investigated whether ESG contributes to a reduction in corporate risk. Using panel data and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique, we examine the relationship between ESG scores and important financial risk indicators such as systematic risk (beta), stock price volatility, unsystematic risk, and the cost of capital (WACC). The findings show that corporations place a disproportionate emphasis on governance (G) rather than environmental (E) and social (S) characteristics. ESG and G governance were also found to be statistically significant predictors of financial risk. This disparity shows that companies may be using high governance scores to conceal underperformance in environmental and social issues, raising worries about greenwashing and superficial compliance. As a result, their contributions to SDGs such as affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) are minimal. The findings highlight the need for a more open, balanced, and integrated ESG approach, one that not only promotes sustainable development but also improves long-term financial resilience.

Purpose: This study investigates how digital disruption through fintech influences women’s entrepreneurial empowerment (EE) by examining the role of digital financial capability (DFC) and Fintech service perception (FSP). This study aims to uncover not only the direct impact of digital skills but also how cognitive perceptions and contextual factors mediate or constrain empowerment in emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and self-efficacy theory, this study uses a quantitative approach using primary survey data from female entrepreneurs in India. A first-order reflective model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the direct, indirect and mediating effects among the constructs. Findings: DFC emerged as the strongest predictor of EE, both directly and indirectly through FSP. Mediation analysis confirmed that FSP partially mediates the relationship between DFC and EE. However, the contextual control variables, support networks and perceived digital disruption benefits showed low significance and prevalence, indicating structural gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Research limitations/implications: The findings urge stakeholders to move beyond basic access strategies and toward integrated interventions that build deep digital skills, enhance the perception of usefulness and develop local support systems. Empowerment is most sustainable when skills, trust and ecosystem readiness are aligned. Originality/value: This study contributes to the emerging literature on gendered digital entrepreneurship by providing an integrated model that captures the psychological, technological and contextual pathways to empowerment in the Fintech space. It emphasizes that inclusion is not merely about access but also about meaningful engagement and support.