Microfinance institutions (MFI) across Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan have been pioneers of women empowerment especially in the remotest of areas where their outreach has escalated positive affirmative action for the rural communities. This research was an effort to gauge the levels of empowerment attained through MFIs through the parameters of social, political, and economic empowerment of women in a comparative analysis done in the above-mentioned nations. It is a qualitative research conducted through secondary data analysis of case studies and research papers and bank reports of the three countries.
Analyzing the results of the studies, the group identified positive outcomes of economic empowerment in all three countries. Whereas no significant effect could be seen in the case of social empowerment in Bangladesh and political empowerment in Pakistan. Assessing the factors that affect the proper implementation of microfinance in a country, such as culture, norms, and traditions of the society is important for the intended functioning of microfinance. The researchers recommended that the need for monitoring the cross-sector data collection on microfinance beneficiaries and to provide services to women regardless of their marital status.
Authored By:
Abhinav Sriastav; Annesha Mahanta; Batool Tasneem; Humza Qureshi; Priyata Talukder
