Exploring the Impacts of Microcredit Programs on Women Empowerment (The Experience of Women Microcredit ])rogram Participants in Addis Credit and Saving Institution)
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
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.
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Keywords
(The Experience of Women Microcredit ]), rogram Participants in, Addis Credit and Saving Institution)