4.4.2. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS FROM INTERVIEW
We remind that some information have been obtained through
interview with a small group among Duterimbere IMF staff and its beneficiaries.
We mention that all information have been completed by observation on field for
some projects and consulting some Duterimbere IMF documents. The results from
interview have allowed us to draft the contribution or impact of Microfinance
in women empowerment, and the challenges experienced by both sides: institution
and beneficiaries (Women).
4.4.2.1. IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Since the most direct anticipated benefits of microfinance
concern are women clients' business, I shall begin with a discussion of the
effects of Microfinance program in that area. Running a successful business not
only contributes to women's improved welfare; it also contributes both directly
and indirectly to their economic empowerment. The interview held with the PFT
and Duterimbere IMF managing director showed that through microfinance
services, women's business become more successful in the following ways:
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These services enable an increase in operating income that
affords women basic necessities, saving, self esteem, and self respect which
have improved relationships with families and communities, more strategic
planning and pricing, and diversification and expansion into more profitable
product lines.
Microfinance services ensure an increase in operating income
which is particularly important for women's economic empowerment through
generating their own capital or have access to cash credit and provides women
with considerable more power and prestige in the marketplace.
4.4.2.2. CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY DUTERIMBERE IMF IN
OFFERING
CREDIT
Women have limited knowledge for business transaction and
general business knowledge; this affects clients' business performance in term
of price negotiations and dealing with customers. Thus in turn affects income
returns which results into difficulties in their loan repayment. Product
diversification has been also a burden to Duterimbere IMF bank clients; where
by majority of the borrowers have diversified their loan into other activities
leading to loan repayment failure.
4.4.2.3. CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY BENEFICIARIES
(Women)
During the interview done with some women who have already
benefited microcredit from Duterimbere IMF, we have noted certain challenges.
The main challenges may be related to the educational background, where
beneficiaries who have completed only primary level are more than other
respondents (56%). This may easily arouse some doubt about the success of their
business. But, according to the talk of Mrs Chantal Mukarugomwa , we realized
that they struggle through somehow:» It was very difficult on the
started my business cause my little skills and also business experience, I have
not confident myself really I was lack the happiness and responsibility to take
some loan cause of the lack of capacity knowledge in the using of bank loan.
But according of the PTH through Duterimbere IMF advise I'm successful in
income generating business and I have high knowledge in using loan after the
different training given by PTH, RCA, MIGEPROF, Duterimbere IMF»;
Chantal said.
Another woman (Kampire Alice) respondent from Muhima Sector
said «my husband used to get angry whenever
I would kneel before him (kneeling is a sign of respect that women pay to their
husbands) to ask for money to buy clothes or any other domestic item but now I
no longer kneel
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before him to ask money frequently. Similarly, I used to
disturb neighbors and relatives asking for various things including clothes,
salt, soap but now I buy them on my own and we are now happy with my husband in
the house»
Also a woman (Uwibambe Angelique) respondent from Gikondo
sector said «I can now take out my husband for a drink and can buy
meat that he would find ready on table than before when he could eat meat and
drink outside in the bar alone and bought beans for the house»
The above stories suggest that through microfinance provided
by Duterimbere MFI, clients especially women have been empowered economically
and this has impacted positively on their household relations with the
husbands. However, when we probed to whether these women had full autonomy over
their monies, most reported to have joint bank accounts with their husbands
which raises questions to whether women really have `full' control over the
loans and profits that accrue thereof.
In general, the challenges by women faced in microfinance
services and in their business those are:
? Few women clients still lack self confidence to try other
business opportunities;
? Limite educational background as it is big problem in the
improvement for women's business;
? Excess household responsibilities that inhibit their
business concentration
? The loan they receive is not enough to satisfy their
business needs;
? Lack of tangible assets or properties to be used for larger
loan guarantee or caution in the case an individual women encounters loan
repayment problem has been one of the challenges
Few of the interviewee, pointed out that family
responsibilities take a lot of of women's time that could be applied for
improving their income generating efforts. Their responsibilty for children
care limits their mobility and obliges them to generate income in less
conducive environment for business.
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CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMANDATIONS
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