MICROFINANCE FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: EVIDENCE FROM EXTREME POOR WOMEN IN NORTHERN BANGLADESH

Abstract

This study examines the impact of microfinance programs on the economic and social empowerment of extreme poor women in Bangladesh. Bangladesh, a densely populated South Asian country, faces significant challenges in achieving gender equality and human development. Rural women in particular experience social and economic dependence on men throughout their lives, limiting their opportunities for earning income and contributing to the economy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of microfinance activities in empowering extreme poor women and provide policy implications for future action.

The research investigates the experiences of grassroots communities to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of microfinance programs on women's empowerment. The study addresses the gender-specific barriers, socio-economic disparities, and cultural factors that contribute to the vulnerability of rural women in Bangladesh. Poverty incidence is found to be more severe among women compared to men, highlighting the urgent need for interventions targeting women's economic and social empowerment.

Existing literature on microfinance programs suggests mixed findings regarding their impact on women's empowerment. Some studies emphasize the positive effects, such as increased income, ownership of assets, and decision-making ability, while others argue that microfinance may disempower women. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing debate by providing empirical evidence based on the experiences of extreme poor women participating in microfinance programs.

The research objectives include evaluating the impact of microfinance activities on empowering extreme poor women and providing policy implications for future action. The study utilizes a descriptive approach, including data collection methods and data analysis. The results and discussion section presents the findings of the study, followed by conclusions and policy implications in the final section.

The study's findings will inform policymakers and practitioners about the effectiveness of microfinance programs in promoting women's empowerment in Bangladesh. By understanding the experiences of extreme poor women, this research aims to contribute to the development of more targeted and comprehensive interventions to address the socio-economic challenges faced by rural women in Bangladesh.