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Combatting Gender Oppression: Applying Intersectionality in Microfinance Self-help Groups

Author

Listed:
  • Prasheela Karan

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Jung-Sook Lee

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Richard Hugman

    (University of New South Wales)

Abstract

Microfinance studies indicate the varied impacts of access to credit on women and suggest the need for programmes to address the diversity of women. An intersectional approach offers contextualised understanding of inequality for different women. This study investigated the provision of credit to women via the self-help group (SHG) model, implemented by a women’s non-government organisation in Gujarat, India. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis and non-participant observation. The programme’s utilisation of an intersectional approach was associated with the generation of indepth knowledge on forms of oppression affecting different SHG women. Such knowledge was important for the incorporation of programme objectives and strategies which were responsive to the concerns and needs of different women in the programme. As such, programme agendas and priorities must be informed by the self-articulated concerns of women themselves, reaffirming the need for donors to support bottom-up approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Prasheela Karan & Jung-Sook Lee & Richard Hugman, 2021. "Combatting Gender Oppression: Applying Intersectionality in Microfinance Self-help Groups," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(6), pages 1649-1665, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:33:y:2021:i:6:d:10.1057_s41287-020-00309-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-020-00309-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mayoux, Linda., 2000. "Micro-finance and the empowerment of women : a review of the key issues," ILO Working Papers 993441343402676, International Labour Organization.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Microcredit; SHGs; Intersectionality; Bottom-up approach;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • P46 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty

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