1.3.2 Specific objectives
? To identify various determinants of women empowerment.
? To find out the impact of microcredit in women
development/promotion. ? To analyze the role of microfinance in family
empowerment by women.
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1.4 HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY
1.4.1 General hypothesis
The main hypothesis stipulates that the microfinance
contributes in women empowerment.
1.4.2 Specific hypotheses
? Savings, credits and family self-sufficiency are among various
determinants of
women empowerment.
? Microcredit impacts the women development/promotion.
? Women contribute in family empowerment through microfinance.
1.5 DEFINITION
1. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Empowerment of women means to let women survive and let them
live a life with dignity, humanity, respect, self esteem and self reliance
source. Different scholars have identified the indicators of women's
empowerment, likewise, Schuler and Hashemi (1994) outlined six elements of
women's empowerment in Bangladesh which includes a sense of self and vision of
a future, mobility and visibility, economic security, status and decision
making
power within the household, ability to interact effectively in
the public sphere and participation in non-family groups. While on other hand,
Friedman's (1992) analysis of women's empowerment identified different kinds of
power: economic, social, political and psychological. Economic power means
access to income, assets, food, markets and decision-making power in the
economic activities. Social power means access to certain bases of individual
production such as financial resources, information, knowledge, skills and
participation in social organizations. Political power means the access of
individual household members to the process by which decisions, particularly
those that affect their own future, are made. Psychological power means the
individual's sense of potency, which is demonstrated in self-confident behavior
and self esteem. While on other hand Rowlands (1995) describe it as «a
process whereby women become able to organize themselves to increase their own
self-reliance, to assert their independent right to make choices and to control
resources which will assist in challenging and eliminating their own
subordination». Her emphasis that ability to exercise choice incorporates
three interrelated dimensions: Resources, Agency and Achievements. According to
UNIFEM, «to generate choices, gaining the ability and exercise bargaining
power», «developing a sense of
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self worth, to secure desired changes, belief in one's ability
and the right to control one's life» are important elements of women
empowerment. Women will be empowered when they will have full control over
their own life. For the analysis of the present research we will use both
Schuler and Hashemi (1994) and Friedman's (1992) definitions of the term women
empowerment
2. MICROFINANCE
Some see microfinance as a source of major social
transformation; others see it as the seed of a revolution in banking access. Is
true believers push for both? Microfinance is a type of banking service which
provides access to financial and non financial services to low income or
unemployed people.
According to Kreditanstalt fürWiederaufbau (KfW)
microfinance is a significant instrument for poverty reduction. Whether it can
also be seen as a tool for women's empowerment is of special interest to
KfW.
The connection between microfinance and women's empowerment
becomes obvious when one realizes that the vast majority of clients are women.
Given the interconnectedness of the social, political and economic dimensions
of empowerment, empowering changes in one dimension may trigger changes in
other dimensions. Thus, the improvement of women's economic empowerment has the
potential to lead to positive changes in social and political dimensions.
1.6 ROLE OF MICROFINANCE IN WOMEN
EMPOWERMENT
Microfinance is a type of banking service which provides
access to financial and non financial services to low income or unemployed
people. Microfinance is a powerful tool to self empower the poor people
especially women at world level and especially in developing countries.
Microfinance activities can give them a means to climb out of poverty. From
early 1970's women movement in number of countries has been increasing to
alleviate poverty through microfinance programs. The problem less access to
credit by women was given a particular concentration at First International
Women Conference in Mexico in 1975.
The evolution of microfinance is from Bangladesh since late
1970s and a very successful project. But in Pakistan, the movement of
microfinance sector started from Agha Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) and
Orangi Piolt Project (OPP). With the passage of time microfinance becomes NGO
activity and five microfinance banks have been started under State Bank of
Pakistan (SBP) ordinance. Microfinance services lead to women empowerment by
positively
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influencing women's decision making power at household level
and their overall socioeconomic status. By the end of 2000, microfinance
services had reached over 79318million of the poorest of the world (Women and
Men). As such microfinance has the potential to make a significant contribution
to gender equality and promote sustainable livelihood and better working
condition for women. (ILO Geneva)
It has been well documented that an increase in women
resources or better approach for credit facilities results in increased well
being of the family especially children. (Maoux, 1997; Kabeer, 2001).
Basic infrastructure is insufficient in rural areas where 78%
of female population resides. Nyabihu and Musanze are highly deprived districts
in Northern Province poverty reduction strategy paper( government Statistics
report, 2010). Women community in this region is also deprived. Microfinance
plays a great role in the lives of millions of poor people particularly women.
Most areas of city, where microfinance loan is disbursed, dearth of women
decision making at domestic level exist in both rural and urban areas of city.
Microfinance as a whole is a new concept in the Rwanda country for improvement
of women empowerment.
1.7 Microfinance & empowerment
Regarding the contribution of microfinance to women's
empowerment, most people listed the facilitation of economic and financial
independency (41%) followed by the increase in child and family welfare (18%).
(Cheston, Susy & Kuhn, Lisa, 2002)
All persons were ready to suggest how this influence could be
expanded. Most mentioned financial-product innovation to fit women's specific
needs (41%), followed by awareness-raising programs (19%). 48% of the
interviewees suggested that training and capacity building (on financial, legal
and gender issues, technical, entrepreneurship, personal development and health
issues) are services that could increase this influence.
When asked what contributed to women's empowerment, all
interviewees found equal rights and opportunities most important, followed by
increased welfare. Financial independence, decision-making in the household and
education were deemed more important by Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe attribution and
MFI partners than by the clients themselves. Expanded networks and elevated
status as business women were neither perceived as neither most nor least
important by all interviewees.
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1.8 Scope of study
The research adopted a case study approach mainly because of
limited time and resource. There are many financial players in the economy
trying to empower women through microloan support. Due to limited time and
resource Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe through Duterimbere FMI, was chosen to
represent all players in the empowerment of women.
The researcher want to build on the growing body of research
on the topic, combine academic theories, what is done in practice and field
experiences, and encourage further exploration and dialogue on the subject.
Throughout the paper, we provided references so that those interested in
exploring specific aspects of empowerment can find more in-depth information.
At the outset of my research, I wished to find out how microfinance empowers
the women in general and particularly in Rwanda.
1.9 INTRODUCTION TO THE ORGANIZATION (Pro-Femmes/ Twese
Hamwe) Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe is an Umbrella Organization that
promotes gender, peace and development. It was created on 18th
October 1992, by 13 Rwandan Women Associations. Today Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe
is composed of 58 member associations including Rwanda Men's Resource Center, a
men's Organization. (Inside Pro-Femmes newsletter Issue no 1)
Those associations are follows:
1. AEC: Drivers' Wives Associations
2. AFCF: Households Heading Women Associations
3. AFEPROF: ASSOCIATION DES FEMMES POUR LE PROGRES FAMILIAL.
4. AFER: Association of Female Entrepreneurs in Rwanda
5. AGR: Association of Girl Scouts in Rwanda
6. AHUMWAGUTARI
7. AMALIZA
8. AMIZERO
9. ARBEF: Rwandan Organisation for Family Welfare
10. ARCT- RUHUKA: Rwandan Association of Trauma
Counsellors
11. ARFEM: Rwandan Association of Media Women
12. ARTCF: Rwandan Association of Christian Female Workers
13. ASOFERWA: Rwandan Women Solidarity Association
14. ASSOCIATION MISERICORDE
15.
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ASSOCIATION NDABAGA
16. ASSOCIATION NZAMBAZAMARIYA Veneranda
17. AVEGA AGAHOZO: Genocide Widows' Association
18. BENIMPUHWE
19. BENISHYAKA
20. CARITAS UMUHOZA
21. CMS: Club Mamans Sportives
22. COCOF: Women Consultative Council
23. COR-UNUM
24. DUHOZANYE
25. DUKANGUKE
26. DUTERIMBERE
27. FAWE Rwanda : Forum for African Women Educationalists
28. FONDATION BARAKABAHO
29. FONDATION TUMURERE
30. FVA: Faith Victory Association
31. GIRANEZA
32. GIRIBAMBE
33. HAGURUKA
34. ICYUZUZO
35. JOC-F: Female Catholic Working Youth
36. LUMIERE DE LA VIE
37. MBWIRANDUMVA INITIATIVE
38. MISSION OF HOPE
39. MTCR : Mouvement des Travailleurs Chrétiens Rwanda
40. RESEAU DES FEMMES OEUVRANT POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT RURAL
41. RWAMREC : Rwanda Men's Resource Centre
42. RWANDA WOMEN'S NETWORK
43. SERUKA
44. SEVOTA : Solidarité pour l'Epanouissement des Veuves
et des Orphelins visant le Travail et l'Autopromotion
45. SOLIDAIRES BENURUGWIRO
46. SOS RAMIRA
47. SWAA RWANDA: Society for Women against AIDS in Africa
48. UCFR: Christian Union of Rwandan Women
49. UMUSEKE
50. UMUSHUMBA MWIZA
51. URUMULI RW'URUKUNDO
52. URUNANA DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
53. WIF: WOMEN INVESTMENT FUND
54. WOMEN FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL
55. ATEDEC : Action Technique pour un Développement
Communautaire
56. Association KANYARWANDA
57. RéseauCulturelSangwa
58. Association of Kigali Women in Sports
59. CCOAIB (Honorary member)
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1.10 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PRO- FEMMES /TWESE HAMWE
ORGANISATIONS UMBRELLA
In 1991, there were associations working for women promotion.
They had been initiated for various specific reasons.
In 1992, 13 Rwandan Associations decided to combine their
efforts and created the umbrella PRO-FEMMES/TWESE HAMWE. On 18th
October 1992 it was publicly started and obtained its legal status in 2002.
(Inside Pro-Femmes newsletter Issue no 1)
1.11 PRO -FEMMES / TWESE HAMWE'S VISION
PRO-FEMMES/TWESE HAMWE is longing for a Rwandese society rid
of all forms of gender related discrimination, and thus characterised by
equality and equity between men and women in the development process and in a
context of a stable and peaceful society.
It has made a recognizable impact at national, regional and
international levels. Through cooperation, coordination and consultative
meeting between member organizations, the government, parliament and
international organization.
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Pro-Femmes/Twese Hamwe advocated and contributed towards
revision of discriminatory laws and initiation of new ones in favour of women
and children, ratification of different conventions on human and women rights
like CEDAW, UNSCR1325, Beijing Platform for action, mobilization of women to
participate in decision making decision positions by training women candidates
through Women can do it program among others.
Pro-Femmes/ Twese Hamwe endeavours to promote gender equality
through advocacy, economic empowerment, and equal participation of women and
men in the development process and fight gender based violence for a better
Rwandan society. (Pro-Femmes report 2011).
1.12 PRO- FEMMES / TWESE HAMWE'S MISSION Its
mission is to contribute to:
> the eradication of all forms of discrimination towards
women and promotion of their socioeconomic, political and legal status,
> the enhancement of the institutional capacity of the
umbrella and member associations , and the promotion of:
· A sustainable human development based on gender and
· A culture of peace based on social justice, respect of
human rights, tolerance and nonviolence.
1.13 PRO -FEMMES/TWESE HAMWE'S OBJECTIVES
· To combine efforts, work for change so as to eradicate
all forms of discrimination and violence towards women;
· To be a consultation and a reflection framework on
success strategies on mission of member associations committed to the promotion
of peace, women's social, economic, cultural and legal status;
· To facilitate exchanges between various member
organisations and to promote partnership with organisations or institutions
working for women promotion.
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1.14 CONCERN OF DUTERIMBERE MFI
The Duterimbere MFI is microfinance institution which
receives the economies of usual customers served by the banking system and
those who don't have sufficient guaranties to offer in order to ensure the
refunding of the authorized credit. The activities of saving and credit for
Duterimbere MFI were created on June 5th, 1997.
Last year, Duterimbere made a net profit of Rwf116 million
and is targeting a total of Rwf200 million as proceeds this year, which signals
the recovery of MFIs after a period of poor business practices and now that
institution have a total of 53,500 customers, the women have 70% of clients.
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