Analysis of how microfinance affects socioeconomic development

This chapter examines the efficiency of women's empowerment initiatives conducted by NGOs in the Middle East in general and in Lebanon specifically in order to enable women to take on leadership roles and to pave the way for them to be future leaders, managers, or even executives. This study aims at assessing the practical impact of women's enablement projects on women's empowerment in an area enjoying sophisticated political, economic, social, and cultural patterns, like the regional conflict between Lebanon and Israel, the critical economic crisis, and social and gender inequality. The study reflects on women's empowerment through related literature including diverse theories tackling leadership such as empowerment theory which comprise empowerment and leadership theories as well as capability approach. In terms of methodology, the research applies semi-structured interviews with experts responsible for designing and implementing women's enablement programs and beneficiaries.

PurposeThe concept of women’s empowerment is widely regarded as a crucial factor in facilitating the integration and involvement of women in the development process. The cornerstone of women’s empowerment is widely acknowledged to be social and political engagement coupled with economic independence. This research aims to contribute to understanding the effects of access to digital financial services by microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Indonesia on women empowerment, specifically focusing on women at the bottom of the economic pyramid. This empowerment is assessed through social, political and economic dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes logistic regression (LR) to examine the effect of access to microfinance digital financial services on the social, political and economic determinants of women’s empowerment. The analysis is based on the threshold theory of decision-making. The present research includes a sample of 1,644 female entrepreneurs, namely ultra-micro small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), actively participating in microfinance activities in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Nusa Tenggara Barat and Sulawesi Selatan.FindingsThe findings indicate a statistically significant effect between access to credit and the two variables under investigation, namely social and economic empowerment. However, no significant effect was seen between credit access and women’s empowerment. Following this, a positive effect has been identified between credit access and several aspects of women’s empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsThe research establishes a framework and substantiates that women’s empowerment relies on economic autonomy, social engagement and political involvement. MFIs have been identified as significant contributors to this process. This will assist practitioners in formulating policy and implementing interventions to promote women’s empowerment, particularly in the context of digital microfinance. The results of this study will provide valuable insights for guiding future research endeavors in this field.Originality/valueThe work exhibits originality and serves as a valuable resource for those who recognize and appreciate its significance. This report is the first study to examine the correlation between female entrepreneurs’ access to digital MFIs and women’s empowerment dimensions.

Women entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant contributor to India's economic growth and development. The presence and significance of women entrepreneurs in India have witnessed a remarkable evolution over the past few decades. Historically constrained by societal norms and gender biases, women in India faced numerous challenges in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Over the years, women entrepreneurs in India have shattered barriers and made remarkable strides in various sectors. However, despite these achievements, women continue to face unique challenges in their entrepreneurial journey, changing social attitudes and policy support, women have emerged as a driving force in the country's entrepreneurial landscape. This research paper aims to examine the evolution of women entrepreneurship in India and its growing significance for the economy and society. It begins by delving into the historical context, highlighting the traditional roles assigned to women and the barriers they encountered in becoming entrepreneurs. The study then proceeds to explore key socio-economic and policy developments that have fostered the empowerment and growth of women entrepreneurs in recent times. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, reports, and statistical data related to women entrepreneurship in India. Additionally, the paper addresses the economic impact of women entrepreneurs in terms of job creation, GDP contribution, and empowerment of women in the workforce. It also discusses the societal significance of women entrepreneurs as role models, fostering a culture of gender equality and women empowerment. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the need for continued support and targeted policies to further promote and nurture women entrepreneurship in India.

Women's empowerment in Nepal has been a soaring issue since the promulgation of the Federal Republic Constitution in 2015. The foundation of women's empowerment ensures women's economic participation, educational attainment, and political representation. The challenges include disparities in access to resources and services, cultural norms that shape gender roles, and the effectiveness of local initiatives promoting gender equality. Understanding these factors is essential for fostering inclusive development and empowering women within the community. This study aimed to evaluate the state of women's empowerment after the introduction of federalism and analyze the impact of local government actions on women's empowerment in the area. The research used a descriptive design, focusing on Kathmandu's Chandragiri Municipality, Ward 12. A random sample of 121 households from the municipality provided data on women's empowerment. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency tables, percentages, and t-tests. The findings indicated that the local government positively affected various aspects of women's empowerment, including property ownership rights, decision-making in family budgets, investment and expenditure, recreational choices, and responsibilities related to child health and education. The study concluded that public policies promoting the participation of women have significantly influenced socio-economic aspects both within families and the broader society. It is recommended to support efforts aimed at developing policies and programs that promote women's empowerment and to assist local governments, policymakers, and agencies in implementing these initiatives in Chandragiri Municipality.

Why are women entrepreneur’s day celebrated? There is no such term as “men entrepreneurs” or the top 50 powerful CEOs globally. But for women there is a separate category for top 50 powerful CEOs. It’s still rare to have female business leaders in the 21st century or we can say that women are breaking the stereo type. Now, there is a need to think about the acceleration of woman entrepreneurship management. Rural Women are now increasingly run their own business yet their entrepreneurial potential, managerial skill and socio economic contribution largely neglected. Women entrepreneurship development is the instrument of women empowerment. Women are becoming socially empowered and economically empowered through business ownership. Women Entrepreneurship is gaining is gaining importance in India in the wake of globalization and economic liberalization. The institutional and policy framework for developing entrepreneurial skill, providing vocational education and training has widened the horizon of for economic development of Women. Women entrepreneurs tend to be self-dependent, self-motivated and self-directed. On the other hand, empowerment of rural women is also very significant. Economic empowerment of rural women will lead to the development of our country. And it is very necessary to give keen attention over his empowerment of women in the rural areas for the real development of our country in all spheres. Women entrepreneurship is important for women’s position in society and economic of women will lead to development of family, community and country. The present study focuses on parameters to be focused to enhance the entrepreneurial skill of rural women in East Singhbhum and in turn their empowerment.

Empowerment of rural women has emerged as an important issue in today. The economic empowerment of rural women is being regarded as independence for rural women. Rural women are becoming economically independent and providing employment opportunities to others through involving in micro entrepreneurship. Women's entrepreneurship contributes to the economic well-being of the family and communities and also reduces poverty. Self-help groups (SHGs) have smoothened the way for economic empowerment. Economic empowerment of rural women led to development of family, community, society, state and nation therefore it is very necessary to give keen of our attention over empowerment of women in the rural area for the real development of our country in all spheres. An SHG entrepreneur is someone that organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business enterprise. Today, more women are breaking free from the traditional, gender-specific roles and venturing into the business world. This study deals with empowerment of rural women through micro entrepreneurship development among rural women. This study was carried out to know the socio- economic background of the women SHG's, their knowledge, skills and earning capacity. The study also looked at the money management practices of women SHG members and their problems. On the basis of the findings that revealed limited knowledge of the women regarding value for savings, account keeping and financial liabilities. Only a few SHGs were found economically proficient.

The struggle and empowerment of women have been significant themes in Indian prose literature. From ancient times to the modern era, women have faced various social, economic, political, and cultural challenges. Literature has not only portrayed women as oppressed figures but also as powerful individuals who bring change through self-determination. Hindi prose literature, including novels, stories, essays, and autobiographies, has explored different aspects of women's lives. Writers like Premchand, Mahadevi Verma, Amrita Pritam, Krishna Sobti, Mannu Bhandari, and Shivani have highlighted women's social status, self-reliance, struggles, and empowerment. Over time, women in literature have evolved from traditional roles to active agents of change. This research paper analyzes how Indian prose literature presents women's struggles and strength. It examines the complexities of their lives, their hardships, and their victories. Additionally, it explores how changing portrayals of women in literature have influenced women's empowerment in society. Historically, Indian literature depicted women in traditional roles as ideal wives, mothers, and daughters. However, as time progressed, literature began to showcase their struggles and independence. Premchand's novels, such as Godaan and Gaban, featured female characters breaking societal norms. Similarly, authors like Mahadevi Verma, Shivani, Mannu Bhandari, Krishna Sobti, and Amrita Pritam expanded the representation of women's struggles and power in prose literature.

PROTOCOL: The effects of road infrastructure, and transport and logistics services interventions on women's participation in informal and formal labour markets in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

Women’s empowerment is an important goal in achieving sustainable development worldwide. Offering access to microfinance services to women is one way to increase women’s empowerment. However, empirical evidence provides mixed results with respect to its effectiveness. We reviewed previous research on the impact of microfinance services on different aspects of women’s empowerment. We propose a Three-Dimensional Model of Women’s Empowerment to integrate previous findings and to gain a deeper understanding of women’s empowerment in the field of microfinance services. This model proposes that women’s empowerment can take place on three distinct dimensions: (1) the micro-level, referring to an individuals’ personal beliefs as well as actions, where personal empowerment can be observed (2) the meso-level, referring to beliefs as well as actions in relation to relevant others, where relational empowerment can be observed and (3) the macro-level, referring to outcomes in the broader, societal context where societal empowerment can be observed. Importantly, we propose that time and culture are important factors that influence women’s empowerment. We suggest that the time lag between an intervention and its evaluation may influence when empowerment effects on the different dimensions occur and that the type of intervention influences the sequence in which the three dimensions can be observed. We suggest that cultures may differ with respect to which components of empowerment are considered indicators of empowerment and how women’s position in society may influence the development of women’s empowerment. We propose that a Three-Dimensional Model of Women’s Empowerment should guide future programs in designing, implementing, and evaluating their interventions. As such our analysis offers two main practical implications. First, based on the model we suggest that future research should differentiate between the three dimensions of women’s empowerment to increase our understanding of women’s empowerment and to facilitate comparisons of results across studies and cultures. Second, we suggest that program designers should specify how an intervention should stimulate which dimension(s) of women’s empowerment. We hope that this model inspires longitudinal and cross-cultural research to examine the development of women’s empowerment on the personal, relational, and societal dimension.

Microcredit financing is extensively considered as an effective development method for poverty mitigation and women empowerment. Nevertheless, relevant studies reflected opposing outcomes on microfinance effects consisting of positive, zero, and negative impacts. Thus, this research investigated Al-Amal Bank’s microcredit impacts on women empowerment in Yemen, one of the poorest Middle Eastern nations. A panel dataset and primary and secondary data were gathered through household surveys and propensity score matching to restrict intangible variables’ possible effects. The empirical results revealed that microcredit had a significant positive effect on monthly household incomes and accumulated asset values. Although microcredit facilitated female entrepreneurship and income generation for improved household incomes and expenditure, no influence was found on female household decisions and mobility following the patriarchal system practised in many Arabian nations, including Yemen. Hence, the study finding has theoretically and practically contributed to the body of knowledge in three ways. First, a novel proof of how microcredit interactions affected several Yemeni women empowerment elements was identified. This study also provides new insight into the empowerment theory by explaining how access to microcredit influences numerous features of women’s economic and social empowerment. Lastly, social and family traditions significantly influenced female attributes and lifestyles by reflecting how communal and family rituals affected microcredit impacts on women empowerment and vice versa. Conversely, this study guides Yemeni policymakers and those from other nations on extending financial services for self-development to reduce poverty and drive women empowerment rather than relying on government and international agencies.

This study examines the factors influencing women entrepreneurship and empowerment in Nepalese enterprises. Women empowerment is the dependent variable. The selected independent variables are access to finance, level of education, family and social support, technological skills, and security issue. The primary source of data is used to assess the opinions of respondent’s access to finance, level of education, family and social support, technological skills, and security issue. The study is based on primary data of 132 respondents. To achieve the purpose of the study, structured questionnaire is prepared. The correlation and multiple regression models are estimated to test the significance and importance of factors influencing women entrepreneurship and empowerment in Nepalese enterprises. The study showed a positive impact of access to finance on women empowerment. It indicates that financial support leads to higher level of women empowerment. Similarly, the study showed a positive impact of level of education on women empowerment. It indicates that higher the level of education, higher would be the women empowerment. Likewise, the study also revealed a positive impact of family and social support on women empowerment. It indicates that support from family and society helps to boost the morale of women empowerment. Further, the study observed a positive impact of technological skills on women empowerment. It indicates that technology skills help women to start their new venture. In addition, the study observed a negative impact of security issue on women empowerment. It indicates that the number of security issues (gender inequality, Violence against women, inequality in power and decision making etc.) are higher, lower would be the women empowerment.

: The present study investigates the correlation between women's empowerment and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the Indian environment. It seeks to clarify the ways in which women's economic and social empowerment can be accelerated through the MSME sector. The study looks at the different obstacles that Indian women entrepreneurs must overcome and how MSMEs may help them do so. It also looks into how MSMEs affect women's employment, earning potential, and general socioeconomic advancement. The study also examines government programmes and policies that support women's involvement in the MSME industry. It also emphasises how crucial access to funding, skill development, and education are for female entrepreneurs. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews with female entrepreneurs with quantitative data analysis. The results indicate that MSMEs can play a major role in empowering women by giving them access to chances for financial independence, skill development, and decisionmaking authority. In order to further strengthen the beneficial effects of MSMEs on women's empowerment in India, the study ends with recommendations for policymakers, MSME stakeholders, and female entrepreneurs.

Today, the increasing number of women entrepreneurs adopting ICTs has grown their businesses and made them more efficient. This study empirically analysed the practice of women's entrepreneurship and its relation to the adoption of Covid-19 Pandemic ICT among SMEs in West Sumatra. A quantitative approach was used to empirically prove the connection between women's entrepreneurship and the use of ICT among SMEs. The population of this study consisted of female SMEs listed in the Cooperative and SME's Office of West Sumatra Province. A random sampling technique with a simple random type was used to select respondents. Questionnaires were distributed to 210 respondents to collect data and other related information. The results of this study proved that there is an effect of women's entrepreneurship practices on ICT adoption among SMEs in West Sumatra. Several aspects of women's entrepreneurship practices, such as customers, education and training, skills, internal support (including culture, social structure, religion, and family), and external environments (including governmental and associated institutions), contributed to women's entrepreneurship. Overall, this research contributes to the empowerment of women by providing them with equal opportunities to learn, improve their abilities, and work in business professions as technology-based innovation entrepreneurs, similar to men.

This study investigates the relationship between women entrepreneurship and women empowerment in India. In recent years, women's entrepreneurship has become an important topic for research and policy, particularly in emerging nations like India. Women business owners may advance gender equality and women's empowerment while simultaneously making a substantial contribution to economic growth and development. In India, where gender inequality is pervasive in many facets of life, encouraging female entrepreneurship can be a powerful strategy for empowering women and closing the gender gap. The findings suggest that women entrepreneurship can significantly contribute to women's economic and social empowerment, particularly in income generation, challenges, skill development, and access to resources and networks. The study's findings also have important implications for policymakers in promoting women entrepreneurship and addressing the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, which could ultimately lead to greater gender equality and women's empowerment in India.

This study investigates the intricate balance between women's economic empowerment and socio-cultural empowerment within the context of community-based tourism. Specifically, it focuses on the case of Biausevu, Fiji, a community heavily dependent on tourism for its economic sustenance. A survey was executed to gather data, engaging a sample of 32 participants, representing roughly 60 percent of women in the community. Employing logit and Probit regression methodology, the study analyzed the interplay of factors influencing women's empowerment. The findings underscored that income derived from tourism and the resultant enhancement in quality of life significantly contribute to women's economic empowerment. However, it also revealed a potential downside: an over-reliance on tourism could impede socio-cultural empowerment facets. Incorporating insights from sustainable development goal five SDG -5, this study advocates for an integrated approach to women's empowerment. It emphasizes the need for policies that balance economic gains from tourism with preserving and promoting socio-cultural values.