Comments on: Does Microfinance Really Empower Women? (Part 1) https://socialenterprisebuzz.com/2013/03/11/does-microfinance-really-empower-women-part-1/ Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:33:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: Tayebwa Morris https://socialenterprisebuzz.com/2013/03/11/does-microfinance-really-empower-women-part-1/#comment-48 Tayebwa Morris Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:39:00 +0000 https://socialenterprisebuzz.com/?p=3899#comment-48 For my Gender and International Development Class this week, I am critiquing the same methods of women’s
empowerment initiatives.
The Topic is: Financial incentives ( including cash transfers, female
stipend projects) as a strategy are not likely to bring about gender
equality. I am focusing more on education and community development.

Holly Mosher, if you could share the video, please copy me at [email protected]

]]> By: Holly Mosher https://socialenterprisebuzz.com/2013/03/11/does-microfinance-really-empower-women-part-1/#comment-44 Holly Mosher Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:39:00 +0000 https://socialenterprisebuzz.com/?p=3899#comment-44 Thank you for your article, Tasnim.

As someone who spent two years in Bangladesh tracking the work of Grameen Bank, I wanted to share my experience witnessing how microfinance empowered the women. I could see a big change in the women over the first year as they learned to have some financial input in the family. It developed their voice and their courage.

One woman who had been with the bank for over 15 years even went on to serve on her local village council. She wouldn’t have done this if she hadn’t gotten her financial freedom through her enterprises created through microcredit. When I went back after 2 more years to check in on everyone. All the people were doing better except those that had health issues in their families (just as in the US where 60% of bankruptcies are from health problems) most people who default on their loans have health problems in the family that keeps them down.

Over the first year, the women were happy that they had 3 meals a day and talked to me of learning to keep their homes clean (which is also important for health) and keeping their kids in school. Then they could put money into their homes and beyond.

I would be happy to send you a copy of my film for your review.

Thank you,
Holly Mosher
http://bonsaimovie.com

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