| Abstract: | Micro-finance institutions have made significant contributions to the empowerment of many
women through the provision of financial and supporting services, especially women in
rural environments. Thus, it is understood that micro-financing, as a development
strategy, empowers women who were hitherto marginalized, and as such, were restricted
from participating in the social, economic and political activities of their societies. This
study examined the impact of Amhara Credit and Saving Institutions’ (ACSI’s) microfinancing
service on women’s economic empowerment. Data was collected from a total
of 80 rural women consisting of 40 cient women, 40 Non-Client women, in ACSI program
areas respectively situated in Kewet District, Amhara National Regional State. The
empirical analysis of the study was conducted using both data collection and informal
discussion methods.
The results of the study indicate that the micro-financing scheme has a positive impact on
women’s economic empowerment as measured by the increased participation of women
in household decision-making. ACSI’s program has had a positive impact on the living
conditions of its client women. Compared to the non-client women, ACSI have improved
their household incomes and savings habit; thereby positively affecting their ability to
fully participate in household decision-making. The implication of the findings is that
giving women access to resources does not always mean empowering them economically
they also empowered in social participation make important decisions, over their
resources. Thus, beyond financial support, this study has found that the contribution of
micro-finance services to women’s economic empowerment should be enhanced through
a combination of more effective support services along with financial services. |
