Role of Microfinance Towards Empowerment of Rural Women in Nepal

Abstract

Poverty always exist into the world in various forms. It is precisely known to the poor countries where people still fight for basic daily needs. This study is made on the basis of women in Nepal where poverty and women empowerment are the main problem. In other to support to alleviation of poverty and encouraging women to gain status in life, Microfinance institutions are playing as one of the main tools. There is a general consensus that microfinance is not equal to all poor women but has positive consequence in the life of Nepalese women. The study investigates the role of Microfinance towards empowerment of rural women. The study is based on the self-made questionnaires to the women of village. It is also based on various previous research. The primary data is collected from household survey using structured questionnaire and interview method. The research findings proved that there is an improvement not only in economic terms but also in social terms. The results show a positive impact in income and saving despite of different interest rate charged by the companies. Although MFIs are mushrooming in Nepal, the poor villagers are remained under high interest rate with less accessible of money lending comparing to the women in city.