Mackenzie, Robert (2019) Microfinance, NGO capability building and poverty: a study of poor women in India. Other Degree thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

This study set out to identify the specific success factors and impacts microfinance has for poor women who predominate in microfinance programs and to articulate policies to raise poor women above subsistence level in India. The study collected data from 200 poor female member of two organisations Vagad Region Service Research Organisation and Self Employed Women’s Cooperative Bank in India. The three data sets from surveys, case studies of selected members and interviews with staff from the respective organisations were triangulated. The results indicate membership of SEWA and VLSSS, gives members access to financial and non- financial products and services which enable them to improve their general standard of living. The poor female members predominate in microfinance because they value access to credit have high repayment rates, invest in the family, and use credit to escape social restrictions. Polices that can assist poor women to rise above subsistence level include providing access to decent health care, vocational training, and functioning education system, investment in public transport and road infrastructure and licences to run a business.

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