EFFECTS OF MICROFINANCE PROGRAMS ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Shanker Dev Campus
Abstract
Women's empowerment is one of the most crucial issues facing emerging nations.
Women make up a large portion of society, yet their standing and involvement in
political, social, and economic decision-making are relatively low. Through its
participation in economic activities, microfinance plays a significant role in enhancing
women's decision-making. Microfinance is a potent instrument for empowering the
impoverished globally, particularly women. Women's empowerment is microfinance's
primary goal. Women's empowerment is gauged by their employment status, income
level, savings, amount of land owned, education, and decisions on food and clothing
expenses, children's education, agriculture, and saving money.
This study's primary data came from a self-made questionnaire given to Barhabise,
Sindhupalchok District women. Statistical tools such as the mean, standard deviation,
correlation analysis, and regression analysis are used to analyze data. The opinions of
respondents have been gathered and their behavior has been studied using a
descriptive study design. This study looks into the well-being of households, women's
economic, social, and political empowerment, and their ability to make decisions after
participating in microfinance programs. All variables exhibit favorable impacts,
according to the results. The study also showed that women who invest in
microfinance organizations benefit from increased well-being, control over their
resources, and access to them. Women's self-esteem has been raised by eliminating
illiteracy among them, allowing them to participate in home and financial decisionmaking, and, lastly, microfinance institutions.
Keywords: microfinance programs, social empowerment, housed wellbeing,
socioeconomic status, political participation