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Contribution of microfinance in women empowerment. A case study of pro-femme/twese hamwe through Duterimbere microfinance institution

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par Adeline Kayiranga
Lovely Professional University - Master of Commerce in Finance Specialization 2013
  

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1.3.2 Specific objectives

? To identify various determinants of women empowerment.

? To find out the impact of microcredit in women development/promotion. ? To analyze the role of microfinance in family empowerment by women.

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1.4 HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY

1.4.1 General hypothesis

The main hypothesis stipulates that the microfinance contributes in women empowerment.

1.4.2 Specific hypotheses

? Savings, credits and family self-sufficiency are among various determinants of

women empowerment.

? Microcredit impacts the women development/promotion.

? Women contribute in family empowerment through microfinance.

1.5 DEFINITION

1. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Empowerment of women means to let women survive and let them live a life with dignity, humanity, respect, self esteem and self reliance source. Different scholars have identified the indicators of women's empowerment, likewise, Schuler and Hashemi (1994) outlined six elements of women's empowerment in Bangladesh which includes a sense of self and vision of a future, mobility and visibility, economic security, status and decision making

power within the household, ability to interact effectively in the public sphere and participation in non-family groups. While on other hand, Friedman's (1992) analysis of women's empowerment identified different kinds of power: economic, social, political and psychological. Economic power means access to income, assets, food, markets and decision-making power in the economic activities. Social power means access to certain bases of individual production such as financial resources, information, knowledge, skills and participation in social organizations. Political power means the access of individual household members to the process by which decisions, particularly those that affect their own future, are made. Psychological power means the individual's sense of potency, which is demonstrated in self-confident behavior and self esteem. While on other hand Rowlands (1995) describe it as «a process whereby women become able to organize themselves to increase their own self-reliance, to assert their independent right to make choices and to control resources which will assist in challenging and eliminating their own subordination». Her emphasis that ability to exercise choice incorporates three interrelated dimensions: Resources, Agency and Achievements. According to UNIFEM, «to generate choices, gaining the ability and exercise bargaining power», «developing a sense of

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self worth, to secure desired changes, belief in one's ability and the right to control one's life» are important elements of women empowerment. Women will be empowered when they will have full control over their own life. For the analysis of the present research we will use both Schuler and Hashemi (1994) and Friedman's (1992) definitions of the term women empowerment

2. MICROFINANCE

Some see microfinance as a source of major social transformation; others see it as the seed of a revolution in banking access. Is true believers push for both? Microfinance is a type of banking service which provides access to financial and non financial services to low income or unemployed people.

According to Kreditanstalt fürWiederaufbau (KfW) microfinance is a significant instrument for poverty reduction. Whether it can also be seen as a tool for women's empowerment is of special interest to KfW.

The connection between microfinance and women's empowerment becomes obvious when one realizes that the vast majority of clients are women. Given the interconnectedness of the social, political and economic dimensions of empowerment, empowering changes in one dimension may trigger changes in other dimensions. Thus, the improvement of women's economic empowerment has the potential to lead to positive changes in social and political dimensions.

1.6 ROLE OF MICROFINANCE IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Microfinance is a type of banking service which provides access to financial and non financial services to low income or unemployed people. Microfinance is a powerful tool to self empower the poor people especially women at world level and especially in developing countries. Microfinance activities can give them a means to climb out of poverty. From early 1970's women movement in number of countries has been increasing to alleviate poverty through microfinance programs. The problem less access to credit by women was given a particular concentration at First International Women Conference in Mexico in 1975.

The evolution of microfinance is from Bangladesh since late 1970s and a very successful project. But in Pakistan, the movement of microfinance sector started from Agha Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) and Orangi Piolt Project (OPP). With the passage of time microfinance becomes NGO activity and five microfinance banks have been started under State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) ordinance. Microfinance services lead to women empowerment by positively

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influencing women's decision making power at household level and their overall socioeconomic status. By the end of 2000, microfinance services had reached over 79318million of the poorest of the world (Women and Men). As such microfinance has the potential to make a significant contribution to gender equality and promote sustainable livelihood and better working condition for women. (ILO Geneva)

It has been well documented that an increase in women resources or better approach for credit facilities results in increased well being of the family especially children. (Maoux, 1997; Kabeer, 2001).

Basic infrastructure is insufficient in rural areas where 78% of female population resides. Nyabihu and Musanze are highly deprived districts in Northern Province poverty reduction strategy paper( government Statistics report, 2010). Women community in this region is also deprived. Microfinance plays a great role in the lives of millions of poor people particularly women. Most areas of city, where microfinance loan is disbursed, dearth of women decision making at domestic level exist in both rural and urban areas of city. Microfinance as a whole is a new concept in the Rwanda country for improvement of women empowerment.

1.7 Microfinance & empowerment

Regarding the contribution of microfinance to women's empowerment, most people listed the facilitation of economic and financial independency (41%) followed by the increase in child and family welfare (18%). (Cheston, Susy & Kuhn, Lisa, 2002)

All persons were ready to suggest how this influence could be expanded. Most mentioned financial-product innovation to fit women's specific needs (41%), followed by awareness-raising programs (19%). 48% of the interviewees suggested that training and capacity building (on financial, legal and gender issues, technical, entrepreneurship, personal development and health issues) are services that could increase this influence.

When asked what contributed to women's empowerment, all interviewees found equal rights and opportunities most important, followed by increased welfare. Financial independence, decision-making in the household and education were deemed more important by Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe attribution and MFI partners than by the clients themselves. Expanded networks and elevated status as business women were neither perceived as neither most nor least important by all interviewees.

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1.8 Scope of study

The research adopted a case study approach mainly because of limited time and resource. There are many financial players in the economy trying to empower women through microloan support. Due to limited time and resource Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe through Duterimbere FMI, was chosen to represent all players in the empowerment of women.

The researcher want to build on the growing body of research on the topic, combine academic theories, what is done in practice and field experiences, and encourage further exploration and dialogue on the subject. Throughout the paper, we provided references so that those interested in exploring specific aspects of empowerment can find more in-depth information. At the outset of my research, I wished to find out how microfinance empowers the women in general and particularly in Rwanda.

1.9 INTRODUCTION TO THE ORGANIZATION (Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe) Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe is an Umbrella Organization that promotes gender, peace and development. It was created on 18th October 1992, by 13 Rwandan Women Associations. Today Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe is composed of 58 member associations including Rwanda Men's Resource Center, a men's Organization. (Inside Pro-Femmes newsletter Issue no 1)

Those associations are follows:

1. AEC: Drivers' Wives Associations

2. AFCF: Households Heading Women Associations

3. AFEPROF: ASSOCIATION DES FEMMES POUR LE PROGRES FAMILIAL.

4. AFER: Association of Female Entrepreneurs in Rwanda

5. AGR: Association of Girl Scouts in Rwanda

6. AHUMWAGUTARI

7. AMALIZA

8. AMIZERO

9. ARBEF: Rwandan Organisation for Family Welfare

10. ARCT- RUHUKA: Rwandan Association of Trauma Counsellors

11. ARFEM: Rwandan Association of Media Women

12. ARTCF: Rwandan Association of Christian Female Workers

13. ASOFERWA: Rwandan Women Solidarity Association

14. ASSOCIATION MISERICORDE

15.

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ASSOCIATION NDABAGA

16. ASSOCIATION NZAMBAZAMARIYA Veneranda

17. AVEGA AGAHOZO: Genocide Widows' Association

18. BENIMPUHWE

19. BENISHYAKA

20. CARITAS UMUHOZA

21. CMS: Club Mamans Sportives

22. COCOF: Women Consultative Council

23. COR-UNUM

24. DUHOZANYE

25. DUKANGUKE

26. DUTERIMBERE

27. FAWE Rwanda : Forum for African Women Educationalists

28. FONDATION BARAKABAHO

29. FONDATION TUMURERE

30. FVA: Faith Victory Association

31. GIRANEZA

32. GIRIBAMBE

33. HAGURUKA

34. ICYUZUZO

35. JOC-F: Female Catholic Working Youth

36. LUMIERE DE LA VIE

37. MBWIRANDUMVA INITIATIVE

38. MISSION OF HOPE

39. MTCR : Mouvement des Travailleurs Chrétiens Rwanda

40. RESEAU DES FEMMES OEUVRANT POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT RURAL

41. RWAMREC : Rwanda Men's Resource Centre

42. RWANDA WOMEN'S NETWORK

43. SERUKA

44. SEVOTA : Solidarité pour l'Epanouissement des Veuves et des Orphelins visant le Travail et l'Autopromotion

45. SOLIDAIRES BENURUGWIRO

46. SOS RAMIRA

47. SWAA RWANDA: Society for Women against AIDS in Africa

48. UCFR: Christian Union of Rwandan Women

49. UMUSEKE

50. UMUSHUMBA MWIZA

51. URUMULI RW'URUKUNDO

52. URUNANA DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

53. WIF: WOMEN INVESTMENT FUND

54. WOMEN FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

55. ATEDEC : Action Technique pour un Développement Communautaire

56. Association KANYARWANDA

57. RéseauCulturelSangwa

58. Association of Kigali Women in Sports

59. CCOAIB (Honorary member)

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1.10 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PRO- FEMMES /TWESE HAMWE ORGANISATIONS UMBRELLA

In 1991, there were associations working for women promotion. They had been initiated for various specific reasons.

In 1992, 13 Rwandan Associations decided to combine their efforts and created the umbrella PRO-FEMMES/TWESE HAMWE. On 18th October 1992 it was publicly started and obtained its legal status in 2002. (Inside Pro-Femmes newsletter Issue no 1)

1.11 PRO -FEMMES / TWESE HAMWE'S VISION

PRO-FEMMES/TWESE HAMWE is longing for a Rwandese society rid of all forms of gender related discrimination, and thus characterised by equality and equity between men and women in the development process and in a context of a stable and peaceful society.

It has made a recognizable impact at national, regional and international levels. Through cooperation, coordination and consultative meeting between member organizations, the government, parliament and international organization.

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Pro-Femmes/Twese Hamwe advocated and contributed towards revision of discriminatory laws and initiation of new ones in favour of women and children, ratification of different conventions on human and women rights like CEDAW, UNSCR1325, Beijing Platform for action, mobilization of women to participate in decision making decision positions by training women candidates through Women can do it program among others.

Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe endeavours to promote gender equality through advocacy, economic empowerment, and equal participation of women and men in the development process and fight gender based violence for a better Rwandan society. (Pro-Femmes report 2011).

1.12 PRO- FEMMES / TWESE HAMWE'S MISSION Its mission is to contribute to:

> the eradication of all forms of discrimination towards women and promotion of their socioeconomic, political and legal status,

> the enhancement of the institutional capacity of the umbrella and member associations , and the promotion of:

· A sustainable human development based on gender and

· A culture of peace based on social justice, respect of human rights, tolerance and nonviolence.

1.13 PRO -FEMMES/TWESE HAMWE'S OBJECTIVES

· To combine efforts, work for change so as to eradicate all forms of discrimination and violence towards women;

· To be a consultation and a reflection framework on success strategies on mission of member associations committed to the promotion of peace, women's social, economic, cultural and legal status;

· To facilitate exchanges between various member organisations and to promote partnership with organisations or institutions working for women promotion.

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1.14 CONCERN OF DUTERIMBERE MFI

The Duterimbere MFI is microfinance institution which receives the economies of usual customers served by the banking system and those who don't have sufficient guaranties to offer in order to ensure the refunding of the authorized credit. The activities of saving and credit for Duterimbere MFI were created on June 5th, 1997.

Last year, Duterimbere made a net profit of Rwf116 million and is targeting a total of Rwf200 million as proceeds this year, which signals the recovery of MFIs after a period of poor business practices and now that institution have a total of 53,500 customers, the women have 70% of clients.

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