Critical Analysis of Microfinance in Perspective of Empowerment of Women: A Case Study of District Matiari

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze out the role of microfinance in perspective of women empowerment in socio-economic aspects, and also reviewed some of the past studies relevant to the impact of microfinance in empowering the women. Microfinance is the basic tool to reduce poverty- provide a better livelihood to women and improve social, economic and personal lives of women. As women are always considered as a poor segment of society because mainly do not participate directly in income generating activities. This study has been conducted in the district Matiari. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection have been used, for sample selection; multistage random sampling method as employed for such the research task. The sample as selected from two microfinance institutions for instance; Sindh Agriculture Forestry Worker Cooperation (SAFWCO), and National Rural Support Program (NRSP), total 288 samples of women beneficiaries selected in this way. This study has concluded that micro finance has significant impact to empower rural women economically and socially by increasing income and sustain their improved livelihood in future. Further, it is recommended by this study that MFIs should arrange the training programs of small enterprises for women as they can get expertise and set of skills to run their own business.