Abstract

Despite the widespread promotion of microfinance as a key strategy for reducing poverty and fostering microenterprise development in developing countries, there is still a lack of understanding about how this concept can be used to empower women in these regions. The role played by formal and informal institutions in developing countries in facilitating or disabling women's empowerment and social mobility has not previously been adequately explored.

Empowering Women Through Microfinance in Developing Countries addresses this knowledge gap by examining the influence of microfinance on women's empowerment in developing countries. It offers theoretical and empirical insights from industry experts, experienced researchers, and policymakers on the problems, processes, and prospects of using microfinance as a catalyst for women's empowerment in the developing world. The book covers a range of topics, including the impact of microfinance interventions on women's empowerment, financial inclusion, microfinance and female entrepreneurship, and poverty reduction among women, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth. The insights provided in this book will be a valuable resource for researchers, students, microfinance institutions, policymakers, state institutions, managers, non-governmental organizations, and financial institutions looking to expand their product portfolio and outreach. The book also provides policy directions and rethinking of practice in using microfinance as a strategy for eliminating barriers to women's empowerment in developing countries.