Microfinance programmes : working towards empowering women living in a rural context?
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Date
2012
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Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the experiences of women living in a rural area who
participate in a microfinance programme called SaveAct. Microfinance programmes have
been established to assist people, financially, living on a low income. Their primary focus is
women because of the high level of poverty amongst them. Microfinance programmes seek to
promote entrepreneurship in order for people to start income generating activities and to be
more self-sufficient. This initiative intends to empower women by making funds available to
them, so that these funds can transform into something more sustainable and help them in
improving their lives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 female participants
from the rural areas of Richmond and Obonjaneni, KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. A
thematic analysis showed that women have experienced some change in their lives, as a result
of getting access to funds and participating in SaveAct. Some of these changes included
increased personal autonomy, self-confidence and business knowledge. These changes
suggest that this sample of women has been empowered despite the backdrop of a patriarchal
society. Women felt more in control of their lives and had gained some independence in their
homes in terms of contributing to household income. Despite these changes more integrated
services are still needed so that both genders are equipped with financial information as it
affects the household, so that there is more equality in the household economically. More
quality financial services are also needed in rural contexts in order for communities to be
more knowledgeable about finances and to build businesses that will feed into the economy
in the long term.
Description
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.
Keywords
Women in rural development--KwaZulu-Natal., Women--KwaZulu-Natal--Economic conditions., Theses--Psychology.