Does microfinance empower women? Evidence from self‐help groups in India

Swain, Ranjula Bali; Wallentin, Fan Yang

doi:10.1080/02692170903007540

Cited by 265 publications

(163 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…BCC has proved to be effective for birth preparedness and newborn care (32), and in this case calls for inclusion of husbands and inlaws. Furthermore, programs to economically and socially empower women such as microfinance schemes can enhance their decision-making power for MNH services (33,34). However these are larger overarching development agenda beyond the scope of health sector.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived barriers to utilizing maternal and neonatal health services in contracted-out versus government-managed health facilities in the rural districts of Pakistan

Riaz

Zaidi

Khowaja

2015

Int J Health Policy Manag

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Background: A number of developing countries have contracted out public health facilities to the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in order to improve service utilization. However, there is a paucity of in-depth qualitative information on barriers to access services as a result of contracting from service users' perspective. The objective of this study was to explore perceived barriers to utilizing Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) services, in health facilities contracted out by government to NGO for service provision versus in those which are managed by government (non-contracted). Methods: A community-based qualitative exploratory study was conducted between April to September 2012 at two contracted-out and four matched non-contracted primary healthcare facilities in Thatta and Chitral, rural districts of Pakistan. Using semi-structured guide, the data were collected through thirty-six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted with mothers and their spouses in the catchment areas of selected facilities. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo version 10.0 in which themes and sub-themes emerged. Results: Key barriers reported in contracted sites included physical distance, user charges and familial influences. Whereas, poor functionality of health centres was the main barrier for non-contracted sites with other issues being comparatively less salient. Decision-making patterns for participants of both catchments were largely similar. Spouses and mother-in-laws particularly influenced the decision to utilize health facilities. Conclusion: Contracting out of health facility reduces supply side barriers to MNH services for the community served but distance, user charges and low awareness remain significant barriers. Contracting needs to be accompanied by measures for transportation in remote settings, oversight on user fee charges by contractor, and strong communitybased behavior change strategies. Implications for policy makers• Contracting out public health facilities can be an effective strategy to improve service delivery for Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH), however, not sufficient to improve the service utilization. • With poor physical and financial access to health facilities in rural settings, transportation and financial safety nets need to be established. • Cultural and customary trends strongly influence decision-making for MNH services utilization. Therefore, community-based behavior change strategies targeting mothers, spouses and mother-in-laws seem crucial.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived barriers to utilizing maternal and neonatal health services in contracted-out versus government-managed health facilities in the rural districts of Pakistan

Riaz

Zaidi

Khowaja

2015

Int J Health Policy Manag

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“…For instance, clients' health, nutrition, children education and standard of their life (Angioloni, Kudabaev, Ames, & Werzstein, 2013;Dunford, 2001;Holvoet, 2004;Littlefield et al, 2003;Morduch., 1999). Microfinance also considers as an essential approach to empower poor especially women (Littlefield et al, 2003;Swaina & Wallentin, 2009). It enables them to make their decision independently, improve the quality of their life and dignity (Johnson & Rogaly, 1997;Ledgerwood, 1999;Narayan, 2002).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conceptual Framework: The Role of Microfinance on the Wellbeing of Poor People Cases Studies from Malaysia and Yemen

Al-Shami¹,

Majid²,

Rashid³

et al. 2013

ASS

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The role of microfinance institutions in poverty reduction and wellbeing improvement has attracted the policymakers' attention in the developing countries across the globe as well as Malaysia and Yemen. The underlying logic is that by providing microfinance services, poor will be able to participate in the economic market through forming their small businesses. Consequently, they will be able to generate income and improve their households, self esteem and efficacy. Despite the popularity and apparent success of microfinance, there is no clear evidence that asserts the positive impact of microfinance scheme. Therefore, the aim of this research is to propose a conceptual framework in the role of Malaysian and Yemeni microfinance on the poor' wellbeing. Microfinance servers refer to financial, nonfinancial and social services while the clients' wellbeing refers to the clients' household, micro and small enterprises performance and empowerment. The mixed method is employed to carry out the objective of this research. The cross-sectional survey with the randomized control trait is used for collecting the quantitative data while the regression logistic with chi-squire are used to analysis. In contrast, the semi interview is conducted to collect and analysis qualitative data. The three microfinance institutions of Amanah Ikhtir Malaysia, Yayasan Usaha Maju and Economic Fund for National Entrepreneurs represented Malaysian microfinance while the Al-Amel Bank represented Yemeni microfinance.

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“…For instance the study conducted by Swaina and Wallentin (2009) concluded that microfinance impacts positively on the socio-economic well-being of women entrepreneurs.…”

Section: Entrepreneurs)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Kabeer (2003) believes that MFIs cannot empower women directly but can help them through training and awareness-raising to challenge the existing norms, cultures and values which place them at a disadvantage in relation to men, and to assist them have much control over resources and their lives. Swaina and Wallentin (2009) conducted a study on women self-help groups (SHG) in India and concluded strongly that SHG members are empowered by participating in microfinance programmes. Among their findings were the following:…”

Section: Microfinance and Women Empowerment (Socio-economic Well-beinmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microfinance and Women Empowerment in Madina in Accra, Ghana

Addae-Korankye

Abada

2017

Asian Economic and Financial Review

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Among the main objectives of microfinance intervention is to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses andhence enhance their socio-economic well-being. The study therefore was conducted to assess the effect of microfinance on socio-economic well-being of women (or women empowerment) SPSS was used to run regression to examine the correlation between microfinance and profit and hence economic well-being of the women entrepreneurs. It was found that microfinance indeed has a direct correlation with Profit and hence socio-economic well-being of women (women empowerment). Stated differently it was revealed that Microfinance has positively impacted on the women's Profit, businesses and hence their socio-economic-wellbeing. However, there was a reasonable percentage of respondents who indicatedthat microfinance has rather made them worse off. Contribution/ OriginalityThe study contributes to existing literature in the area of microfinance and women empowerment.

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Does microfinance empower women? Evidence from self‐help groups in India

Cited by 265 publications

References 9 publications

Perceived barriers to utilizing maternal and neonatal health services in contracted-out versus government-managed health facilities in the rural districts of Pakistan

Perceived barriers to utilizing maternal and neonatal health services in contracted-out versus government-managed health facilities in the rural districts of Pakistan

Conceptual Framework: The Role of Microfinance on the Wellbeing of Poor People Cases Studies from Malaysia and Yemen

Microfinance and Women Empowerment in Madina in Accra, Ghana

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