From access to empowerment: Widening the debate on gender and sustainable micro-finance

Abstract

The current expansion in micro-finance programmes targeting women is dominated by the 'financial self-sustainability paradigm' aimed at developing programmes which will ultimately be independent of donor funds. Evidence from Asia and Africa indicates that although to some extent empowerment aims can be integrated into financial sustainability 'Best Practice', there are also serious tensions. Increasing contribution of micro-finance to women's empowerment will require a more participatory approach to programme management and linking grassroots groups with other women's organizations. These in turn will require changes in current donor priorities and procedures both in relation to micro-finance itself and to macro-level economic and social policy.