The challenge
This project was established to gain an understanding of the impact of a multi-faceted financial inclusion program that was being rolled out across Papua New Guinea. Prior to this study, there was a lack of quantitative data about who was benefiting from this program and why.
The research
We conducted the first Randomised Control Trial in Papua New Guinea, evaluating the impact of a financial inclusion program offered in rural and remote areas, which included a gender equality component (on average, 53.6 percent of participants were female).
The impact
The trial led to substantial adjustments to the existing $35,000,000 USD program, and several banks removed their account keeping fees across the nation.
Our researchers
Christopher Hoy - Melbourne Institute
Russell Toth - University of Sydney
Nurina Merdikawati - Australian National University
Our partners
Centre of Excellence for Financial Inclusion