The Role of Microfinance in Women’s Empowerment (A Case Study of Sundarbazar Municipality)

Abstract

Empowerment of women is one of the very important issue in the development countries. Nepal is one of the developing country in world. More than fifty five percent population is occupied by women. Women are integral part of the society. Their status and participation in decision making as well as social and economic activities is satisfactory than previously. Microfinance plays important role in improving women decision making power by contributing in economic activities. microfinance is a powerful tool to self-empower the people especially for women at world level. The, main aim of microfinance is to empower women. Women empowerment can be measured by mainly two variables social empowerment and economic empowerment. In social empowerment variables included decision making role in family, social and political participation, societies perception towards them, social awareness, awareness in health and sanitation and improvement in livelihood. In economic empowerment variables included income level, saving, investment and holding assets. This study is based on primary data through structured questionnaire to the women of GILBS in Sundarbazar Municipality. Data are analyzed by using appropriate statistical tools and percentage analysis as well as describe by tables and figures. Descriptive research design has used to collect the opinions and to know about behavior of respondents by simple random sampling technique. Data in terms of number are tested by Z-test, pair-t-test, and opinion, felling, response, perception were through chi square test, percentage test mainly. This study investigates the socio-economic improvement and decision making power of women after involvement in MFPs. The results show a positive impact on all variables; economic, social and decision making. The study concludes that microfinance institutions plays a positive role on women by increasing them social well-being, access and control over their resources, mobilization of saving and investment, self- confidence, decision making ability in family as well as in society. Finally microfinance institution have boosted women's social and economic status.