Microfinance and its women members in San Pablo City, Laguna

Oxana Alipio

Date

6-2017

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Abstract

Microfinance provides financial services to the less fortunate and marginalized sector particularly the women. One of its goals is to eradicate poverty in order to improve the condition of women and help them to become empowered members of the society. With this, this study aims to look at how microfinance contributes to the empowerment of its women members. In achieving this objective, the following specific research questions are asked: 1) What are the reasons of women for joining microfinance?; 2) How is the loan from microfinance utilized by its members?; 3) What are the benefits gained and challenges faced by members of microfinance?; and 4) What are the consequences of microfinance to the role and status of women as an individual and in relation to their families?. To answer these questions, descriptive case study was used as the research design and the data were collected through semi-standardized interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed through thematic analysis and the themes that emerged were organized and discussed in accordance with the research questions.

The results showed that women were encouraged to join microfinance in order to avail financial services. They utilize their loans for capital in business and for other non-income generating expenses. They also gained financial and social benefits as members; however,some challenges rooted in their traditional roles were also encountered. Despite these challenges, the women microfinance members are still able to exercise decision-making power within the family since they are considered as the managers of the household.

The data gathered showed that women members of microfinance have not experienced empowerment. Microfinance focuses more on providing financial services to its members; however, it fails to address issues attached to traditional gender roles and to assist women in becoming aware of their full potentials and knowing their self-worth.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2017 S7 A45

Document Type

Thesis

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