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The Effects of Microcredit on The Empowerment of Women in Northern Region of Bangladesh

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  • Md. Rakibul Islam Rubel
  • Md. Mozahidul Haque
  • Mohammad Earfan Ali Khondaker

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of microcredit on the empowerment of women in the Northern region of Bangladesh. The leading NGOs namely ASA, BRAC, GRAMEEN BANK, PROSHIKA, SKS and TMSS were targeted for data collection in the three selected districts viz., Gaibandha, Rangpur and Dinajpur in the Northern region of Bangladesh. A total of 247 women (Microcredit borrowers) were selected randomly from the selected districts as the sample of the study. The findings of the study showed that microcredit reduces economic problems of the women and helps to enhance economic empowerment. And also after taking loan or involving with microcredit their family income, expenditure and savings increased significantly. Positive and significant empowerment effects were found for the indicators: intra-HH decision, mobility, and own & child healthcare. It is seen that after taking loan or involving with microcredit decision-making power have changed for the women in all the dimensions used in this study and more importantly the women view such changes rather positively. If interest rates are kept low, payments are collected in a reasonable amount of time, and support in terms of education and advice are granted to borrowers, microcredit can continue to positively impact and empower women in Bangladesh and abroad. It is hoped that the findings of this study would prove to be useful for Government departments, NGO’s, Agencies and Researchers who wish to do further research in the areas mentioned above and may be helpful to the policy makers and planners in formulating plans for national development.

Suggested Citation

  • Md. Rakibul Islam Rubel & Md. Mozahidul Haque & Mohammad Earfan Ali Khondaker, 2019. "The Effects of Microcredit on The Empowerment of Women in Northern Region of Bangladesh," International Journal of Science and Business, IJSAB International, vol. 3(6), pages 191-202.
    • Handle: RePEc:aif:journl:v:3:y:2019:i:6:p:191-202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pitt, Mark M & Khandker, Shahidur R & Cartwright, Jennifer, 2006. "Empowering Women with Micro Finance: Evidence from Bangladesh," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 54(4), pages 791-831, July.
    2. Kabeer, Naila, 2001. "Conflicts Over Credit: Re-Evaluating the Empowerment Potential of Loans to Women in Rural Bangladesh," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 63-84, January.
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