Women and Micro Credit

Women's access to micro credit has increased substantially worldwide. International and non-governmental organizations, commercially-oriented institutions and governments support the proliferation of micro credit programs, and specifically target women. This book explores women's experiences in a micro credit program in Cairo, Egypt. Because women's voices are critical the issues are raised through questions regarding women's situation in micro credit and what factors assist women in meeting their choices and concerns, and empowerment outcomes. Based upon original research in Cairo the book examines women's experiences through a conceptual framework that includes women's triples roles, women's practical and strategic gender needs, and empowerment. Numerous assumptions regarding the role of micro credit in the lives of women are reported and analyzed. The book reveals that social issues in micro credit are as important, perhaps even more so, than the economic concerns of micro credit programs. Only through building a more complete picture of women's lives can micro credit programs achieve their objective: to contribute to greater gender equity in society.