On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, we recommend recent studies authored by faculty members and researchers of Corvinus University that examine women’s social roles, status, and opportunities from different perspectives. 

Financial literacy among finance students: behavioral gender differences 

Berlinger Edina, Dömötör Barbara, Megyeri Krisztina, Walter György: Financial literacy of finance students: a behavioral gender gap (2025) 

Edina Berlinger and Barbara Mária Dömötör are full professors at the Corvinus Institute of Finance; Krisztina Megyeri is an assistant professor at the Corvinus Institute of Data Analytics and Informatics. 

The study examined the relationship between gender and financial literacy among 229 Hungarian undergraduate finance students. The results show no differences between male and female students in financial knowledge or attitudes. However, female students were about 10% less likely to take advantage of highly beneficial financial opportunities, even when controlling for knowledge, performance, and background factors. This behavioral difference persisted even among participants in a talent development program. The authors suggest that financial education should place greater emphasis on the behavioral aspects of financial decision-making, particularly through gender-sensitive teaching approaches. 

The full study is available at the link. 

Gender-based differences in eco-efficient farming 

Fertő Imre, Baráth Lajos, Bojnec Štefan: Gender-based differences in eco-efficient farming (2025) 

Imre Fertő is a full professor at the Corvinus Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 

The research examined gender differences in the eco-efficiency of Hungarian arable farms using Farm Accountancy Data Network data from 2015–2020. The findings show that female-managed farms consistently achieve higher eco-efficiency, particularly at medium performance levels. Their advantage mainly stems from more efficient resource use, although some differences may also reflect distinct farming practices. The study highlights that female farmers are more likely to adopt sustainable solutions, suggesting the importance of policy measures that improve women’s access to resources, knowledge, and innovation, thereby supporting environmental sustainability and rural development. 

The full publication is available at the link. 

Women’s empowerment and child stunting in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys (2011–2016) 

Seyoum Teffera Mengesha, Berde Éva, Amare Zerihun Yohannes, Remsei Sándor: Women’s Empowerment Dimensions and Child Stunting in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys 2011–2016 (2025) 

Éva Berde is Professor Emerita at the Corvinus Institute of Economics, and she also holds an affiliation with Széchenyi István University, Seyoum Teffera Mengesha is a PhD student at the same institute at Corvinus. 

The study explored the relationship between women’s empowerment and child stunting in Ethiopia using data from more than 18,000 mother-child pairs from the 2011 and 2016 Demographic and Health Surveys. While the prevalence of stunting declined and women’s role in household decision-making increased, improvements in children’s nutritional status were primarily associated with women’s basic capabilities, such as access to education and resources, rather than decision-making authority itself. The analysis also revealed significant regional differences. The authors conclude that interventions should focus primarily on girls’ and women’s education and on locally adapted, multisectoral programs to further reduce undernutrition. 

The full study is available at the link.