Education
The impact of microfinance programmes on women's lives: a case study in Parwan
Women’s participation in microfinance changing gender relations in Afghanistan
Authors:
S. Zand
Publisher:
Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit , 2010
This case study is a part of a larger study that explores women’s participation in different development programmes and projects in Afghanistan. The current paper looks at women’s participation in a microfinance (MF) programme in a north eastern Afghan village and explores its impact on the gender relations both within the family and the community. The paper illustrates that women’s participation can be translated to changes in gender relations if and when other enabling factors are guaranteed.
The findings of the paper include:
- factors such as existing family dynamics and power of the women as well as the quality and processes of the microfinance institution (MFI) programme are among the factors that can support change in gender relations
- when favourable pre-existing conditions were in place, women’s self-worth and courage were enhanced, and they gained relative control over money
- however, there have not been significant changes in decision-making power, gender division of labour and the range and location of women’s activities
- lack of proper communication between the MFI and the community has resulted in a misunderstanding about the MFI’s focus on female clients
- similarly, MFI missed the opportunity to facilitate a process of empowerment by moving women into larger or different economic roles.
To better fulfill MFI social aims, the author recommends the institution to do the following:
- ensure the effective functioning of the loan groups
- engage in a discussion with the community on the role of women and the value of their unpaid work
- invest time and space in the social process of empowerment, striking a balance between operational sustainability and its social objectives.
