Women Empower Women

831 Words4 Pages
Are women in developing countries empowered by micro credit? All over Africa, Latin America, and Asia, woman in developing countries run micro-enterprises to bring in extra money for provisions. Women are empowered by the sense of importance microfinance can give them from it, as well as the opportunity for education and a faster way out of the cycle of poverty. Microcredit makes women in developing countries feel empowered as it can give a sense of importance and control. The women are now a source of income, and have control of the financial aspect of their life. ‘“The most empowering thing for women in the developing world is having their own income that is not controlled by their husbands”, Scofield explained. “When they have resources of their own…show more content…
“It’s not surprising to learn, therefore, that in almost 90 percent of cases men control the loans that women receive, often with adverse effects.” (“The Hidden Ways Microfinance Hurts Women”by Lamia Karim) Only 10 percent of women are in control of their loans, leaving the other 90 percent to have yet another aspect of their lives controlled. For that 90 percent, instead of gaining more money to help get them out of the cycle of poverty, most of the money goes to the men for personal use. However, according to (Chapter 21: “Micro-entrepreneurs: Women’s Role in the Development of Africa” in Geography Alive! Edited by Diane Hart), “More than 80% of micro-loans are made to women.” Women clearly feel empowered enough to apply for loans, and once they receive those loans, the women can start a small business. In fact, (Chapter 21: “Micro-entrepreneurs: Women’s Role in the Development of Africa” in Geography Alive! Edited by Diane Hart ) states, “In some countries, more than 50% of micro-credit clients rise out of poverty within 10 years.” reinforcing the point thar micro-credit empowers women by helping create a faster way out of

More about Women Empower Women

Open Document