Empowering Women through Microfinance in Some Selected Microfinance Institution and Small Scale Business Women in Takoradi Business Area

Abstract

Women play vital role in the economic development of their families and communities but certain problems such as unemployment, poverty, low household income and societal discrimination mainly in the developing countries have hindered their effective performance of that role. It is revealed that small scale business women could be effective strategists if they are empowered to be economically active to give quality life to their households since they form majority of small scale business in the country. The research revealed that microfinance institutions mainly target women because most of them engage in small scale business and empowering them will not only increase economic activities in the country but also sharpen them to support their families and their communities and make effective decisions as well. Conclusions drawn was in respect of the fact that though microfinance has empowered women, the impact have not been felt because of the challenges in the areas of cash collateral, high interest rate, mode of debt payment and virtually same products being offered to customers. Potential and existing customers are discouraged to access loan. Again, default being one of the challenges of the microfinance institutions are on the higher side and strategies should be put in place to ensure that customers pay for their debts in due time in order to keep the microfinance institutions in operations all the time.

Keywords: microfinance, women empowerment in small scale business