Social Work

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Browsing Social Work by Subject "(The Experience of Women Microcredit ])"

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    Exploring the Impacts of Microcredit Programs on Women Empowerment (The Experience of Women Microcredit ])rogram Participants in Addis Credit and Saving Institution)
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Ayalew, Tizita; Legesse, Mengistu (PhD)
    The thesis explores the impact of microcredit program on individual women empowerment in Addis Credit and Saving Institution, Lideta Sub-City Kebele 07II4 branch. It focuses on how women expenence changes to achieve their empowerment through bringing (1) economic/material change (2) cognitive change (3) perceptional change and (4) relational change. The research is a multiple case study using standard techniques for exploring the impacts of microcredit program on women empowerment. In-depth interviews with five women and direct observations were the major source of data. The research participants were purposefully selected fi'om other member based on their success stories and relative changes they achieved in the program. The research indicates that ADCSI's microcredit program creates empowerment promoting condition for women. It has significant contribution to the empowerment of poor women. Program participant women have improved their income because they launched new ventures and also expanded their economic activities. They also created assets which are controlled by them. The participant level of knowledge, skill, and awareness about their business and the wider environment has increased. Women dependence on their husband has been reduced and their increased income enabled women to be self-reliant. The program also contributed to women sel [-esteem and confidence due to the increased level of acceptance and appreciation both at household and community level. The study indicates that the significant contributions of the program to women empowerment are not without challenges. The main challenges include limited financial product, engaging in less profitable and risky activities, low return and inadequate market outlet and weak networking. Revisit the mission, vision, objectives and the strategic and business plans of ADCSI is important in order to mainstream their activities and address the financial needs of women. It should design a gender - friendly and appropriate strategy to reach out women and mobilize them to access its financial service.