Role of Microfinance in Women Empowerment A Comparative Study of Rural and Urban Groups

Abstract

newlineThe study revealed that there were significant positive changes noted in the rural group as compared to the urban group. However poor infrastructure, lack of market linkages are some of the deterrents that prevent the realization of the full potential of microfinance. In case of the urban groups, access to income generating opportunities is not a constraint however the pressure of sustaining dependant family members, lack of a community / support system and the relatively inflexible nature of the products can result in a greater pressure on the women and in most cases make her a target of extortion and domestic abuse