The Effect of Microfinance on women's empowerment: Evidence from Malaysia

Al-Shami, Sayed Samer Ali and Muhamad, Mohd Razali and Abdul Majid, Izaidin and Yunus, Ahmad Rozelan and RASHID, NURULIZWA (2016) The Effect of Microfinance on women's empowerment: Evidence from Malaysia. Asian Journal of Women's Studies, 22 (3). pp. 318-337. ISSN 1225-9276

Text The effect of microfinance on women s empowerment Evidence from Malaysia.pdf Download (419kB)

Abstract

Microfinance is widely known as a development tool for those deprived of access to financial services, especially women. However, the literature provides conflicting evidence and shows that women’s empowerment may not, or may only be partially achieved through microcredit, especially in Muslim societies. This study seeks to scrutinize the effect of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), a microcredit institution, on Malay Muslim women in an urban area. A quasi-experimental method was used to conduct a cross sectional survey of 500 old and new clients. Informal semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 current clients who had received microcredit two years earlier. The findings show that AIM microcredit empowered the women and enhanced gender equality. It enabled women to access financial capital, form their micro- and small-businesses and obtain an income which helped them to contribute to household expenditure. Even though the effect of microcredit was partial, it provided them bargaining power for decision-making, control over resources and enhanced their self-esteem.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	women, empowerment, microfinance, Malaysia
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions:	Faculty of Technology Management and Technopreneurship > Department of Technopreneurship
Depositing User:	Prof. Dr Ahmad Rozelan Yunus
Date Deposited:	08 Aug 2016 07:53
Last Modified:	06 Jul 2021 21:42
URI:	http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/16928
Statistic Details:	View Download Statistic

Actions (login required)

View Item