Micro-credit and micro-insurance are important financial interventions for promoting gender equality and inclusive development, particularly among poor and economically vulnerable women. From a gender and development perspective, these interventions are not merely instruments for poverty reduction; they can strengthen women’s economic independence, decision-making power, access to resources, and ability to cope with risks. Gender inequality often limits women’s access to formal financial institutions because of low income, lack of collateral, limited property ownership, restricted mobility, and social norms that place financial control in the hands of men. Micro-credit refers to the provision of small loans to individuals or groups who generally lack access to conventional banking services. Women are often the primary beneficiaries of micro-credit programmes because they face greater barriers to formal credit. Access to small loans enables women to start or expand income-generating activities such as tailoring, food processing, handicrafts, livestock rearing, petty trade, and small shops. Such activities can generate regular income and reduce women’s economic dependence on family members. Micro-credit can also contribute to women’s empowerment within households and communities. When women earn and control income, their participation in household decisions relating to children’s education, healthcare, nutrition, savings, and expenditure may