Effect of Micro Finance on Women Empowerment in India – A Review

Abstract

Abstract: The paper examines how microfinance impacts women’s empowerment and highlights the significance of women’s empowerment in economic development. Indian women’s status is not good as compared to men in respect of power, control over economic resources, wages, education, confidence, economic independence, social security, financial resources, over dependence on creditors to get credit, family ties, gender discrimination, sexual harassment etc. Consequently, various studies have investigated the relationship between developmental tools like microfinance and women’s empowerment. The findings indicate that microfinance, particularly through micro-credit, has had a positive impact on women’s well-being. However, most studies have only focused on one aspect of women’s empowerment, mostly at the household level. Therefore, developmental initiatives should address multiple dimensions of women’s empowerment at all levels