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Microfinance and women entrepreneurs in Pakistan

Microfinance and women entrepreneurs in Pakistan Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline findings of an initial exploratory study, undertaken as part of a larger ongoing research project, seeking to understand the influence and impact of microfinance on women's entrepreneurship and empowerment within developing countries such as Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The research conducted in this study used 37 semi‐structured questionnaires from women borrowers financed by two microfinance institutions of Pakistan. Findings – The findings show that microfinance institution is providing credit to women for starting their business. However, 62 percent of the women borrowers established their own business from microfinance loan and other 38 percent did not use microfinance for the said purpose. The lack of training by microfinance institutions is also considered to be a factor in very less number of women starting new business from microfinance loan. Research limitations/implications – A small sample is used from the Punjab province of Pakistan, therefore care is required when generalizing the results. Originality/value – This paper will facilitate discussion in exploring the area of microfinance in a developing country and form a base for conducting research in future on the issue of microfinance and women's entrepreneurship. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship Emerald Publishing

Microfinance and women entrepreneurs in Pakistan

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1756-6266
DOI
10.1108/17566261111169340
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline findings of an initial exploratory study, undertaken as part of a larger ongoing research project, seeking to understand the influence and impact of microfinance on women's entrepreneurship and empowerment within developing countries such as Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The research conducted in this study used 37 semi‐structured questionnaires from women borrowers financed by two microfinance institutions of Pakistan. Findings – The findings show that microfinance institution is providing credit to women for starting their business. However, 62 percent of the women borrowers established their own business from microfinance loan and other 38 percent did not use microfinance for the said purpose. The lack of training by microfinance institutions is also considered to be a factor in very less number of women starting new business from microfinance loan. Research limitations/implications – A small sample is used from the Punjab province of Pakistan, therefore care is required when generalizing the results. Originality/value – This paper will facilitate discussion in exploring the area of microfinance in a developing country and form a base for conducting research in future on the issue of microfinance and women's entrepreneurship.

Journal

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship – Emerald Publishing

Published: Sep 27, 2011

Keywords: Pakistan; Women; Microfinance; Entrepreneurialism; Access to finance; Women entrepreneurs; Economic empowerment; Well‐being of family; Developing countries

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