Smartphone Finance and the Rise of Mexico’s Working Mother Micro-Entrepreneurs

This report examines the impact of smartphone finance on working mothers in Mexico, particularly those engaged in the informal economy. It outlines how 70% of working women in Mexico are mothers, highlighting their roles as micro-entrepreneurs who balance caregiving and employment. The report details the flexibility offered by informal work, which allows these women to manage household duties while generating income. It emphasizes the importance of digital financial tools, noting that 92% of PayJoy’s customers report that smartphone financing enables them to maintain their jobs or businesses. The report also discusses the significant contributions of unpaid labor by women and the barriers they face in achieving economic parity with men. It presents data indicating that smartphones are crucial for communication, accessing online services, and engaging in gig work, thereby enhancing economic participation. The findings underscore the need for greater financial inclusion to support the economic mobility of working mothers in Mexico.