WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH MICROFINANCE IN NEPAL

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between microfinance and women‘s empowerment in Nepal, focusing on five socio-economic factors: income, education, decision-making power, family support, and asset ownership. Using quantitative methods, the study finds that microfinance positively impacts empowerment, with variations across these dimensions. Correlation analysis shows significant relationships between empowerment and all five factors, with asset ownership having the strongest correlation. ANOVA confirms that these factors collectively influence empowerment. However, regression analysis reveals that while income, education, decision-making power, and family support significantly affect empowerment, asset ownership contributes indirectly. The study highlights microfinance's crucial role in empowering women in rural Nepal.