ROLE OF MICROFINANCE IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

The empowerment of women is a crucial concern in developing countries, given that women form an integral part of society. Unfortunately, their status and participation in decision-making and economic activities remain significantly low. Microfinance emerges as a key player in enhancing women's decision-making abilities through its contribution to economic activities. At a global level, microfinance serves as a powerful tool for self-empowerment, particularly for women. Its primary objective is to promote the empowerment of women. The measurement of women's empowerment encompasses various factors, including economic security, household and economic decision-making, legal awareness, mobility, and family decision-making. This study focuses on collecting primary data through administered questionnaires from women participating in a microfinance program in Ward No. 17 of Butwal sub Metropolitan, Rupandehi. The research design employed is both descriptive and analytical, aiming to gather opinions and understand the behavior of the respondents. The collected data are analyzed using statistical tools such as percentages, Frequency,means, correlation and regression analysis. This study aims to examine the impact of microfinance programs on the social-economic progress and decision-making abilities of women. The findings reveal positive transformations in areas such as economic security, household economic decisionmaking, legal awareness, mobility, and family decision-making following their involvement in microfinance programs