The majority of microfinance programs specifically target women clients and provide them with direct control over resources. Access to microfinance services opens up greater livelihood opportunities for women, allowing for their increased participation in the economy. In many situations, especially in more patriarchal societies, participation in the economy over a long period of time can enable women to become more confident and assertive, more empowered. Many MFIs consciously design their programs to empower women, with the goal of increasing their voice in decisions (family, economic, social, political) that affect their lives.
Studies of microfinance programs and their clients indicate the following:
- In Nepal, the Women's Empowerment Program found that 68 percent of its members were making decisions traditionally made by men, including the buying and selling of property and planning their families.
See Cheston and Kuhn (2002).
- After joining Freedom from Hunger affiliates in their respective countries, women clients in Ghana were found to play a more active role in community life, and those in Bolivia were found to be actively involved in local government.
See MkNelly and Dunford (Ghana 1998) and (Bolivia 1999).
- A survey of 1300 women in Bangladesh showed that MFI clients were significantly more empowered than non-clients in terms of physical mobility, asset ownership, control of productive assets, decision making, and political and legal awareness.
See Hashemi, Schuler, and Riley (1996).
- A gender impact study of four microfinance programs in Bangladesh concluded that women clients experienced positive change at a personal level, in the form of increased self-worth, as well as the household level, in the form of decreased violence and increased affection resulting from their contribution of resources.
See Kabeer (1998).