Microfinance can help women in developing countries by transforming gender equations in public and private spheres, according to the Fifth Global Microfinance Summit. However, not all microfinance institutions (MFIs) are in business to contribute to this outcome. Regardless, the cultural and economic impact is significant.
Microfinance is enabling women to establish their own business and promote equality in developing nations.
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
2/29/2012 (2 years ago)
Published in Marriage & Family
Keywords: Microfinance, microloans, third world, women, equality, rights
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - During last November's summit, world leaders in microfinance came together to discuss the impact of microfinance on women, in addition to addressing a series of other topics.
Microfinance is revolutionizing third-world economies by providing money to people in developing nations which they can invest in local infrastructure and businesses, hopefully creating new opportunities for the people and driving development.
Most of the money for microfinance comes from small investments usually made by people in wealthier nations. A typical microfinance loan can be as small as a few dollars, which can earn an investor a share in a larger loan, to an amount of several hundred dollars. Some larger loans range into the low thousands.
These loans, while small change for most in the developed world, represent large sums to third world peoples. They permit the acquisition of critical equipment and material that is needed to start small business and build infrastructure improvements overseas.
Some microfinance institutions are focused on development and specialize in making loans to women and disadvantaged minorities. The goal behind these loans is to spur social change. Other microfinance firms are focused on profits, and they make riskier loans at higher interest rates.
For women, microfinance can be a way out of a life of poverty. Some microfinance institutions also provide training to entrepreneurs enabling them to make the most of their money and maximize their success - and the odds of the loan being repaid.
Because in many countries, women spend most of their incomes on household needs and children, the loans provide a supplemental source of income that women can use to invest in entrepreneurial projects. Projects might include starting cooperatives to produce clothing, crafts, or other products that are in demand. The money from these projects can then be returned to the community enriching everyone.
The income also makes women more self-sufficient, giving them negotiating power in the household and community. With an income, women can demand better treatment and a degree of equality, which they may not otherwise have if they are left at the mercy of their husbands who would otherwise control the household.
With women comprising 80 percent of the world's most impoverished population, no number of efforts to provide education and opportunities will be wasted. Microfinance is changing the game for many women around the world, and represents a dramatic reversal of fortune for millions.
.
---
Sorrowful Mother
Prayer Cards
St.dymphna Holy Card
Prayer Cards
Red Auto Rosary Carded
Rosary
Mission Rosary Ring
Rosary
St Rita Holy Card
Prayer Cards
The Savoir Holy Card
Prayer Cards
Santa Teresa Holy Card
Prayer Cards
My Rosary
Rosary
Via Crucis Crucifix
Cross
Prayer For A Retreat Holy Card
Prayer Cards
Guardian Angel Holy Card
Prayer Cards
By Adelaide Mena
Is the disordered homosexual lifestyle destroying our great American culture? Strasbourg, France, (CNA/EWTN News) - The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the refusal to recognize same-sex "marriages" does not violate the European Convention on Human ... continue reading
By Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.
There are many Catholics who are "unready" Catholics, that is, operating under ill advice or bad counsel. They have adopted the counsel of sophists, satanists, or doubt-sowers, and have departed as a result from the teachings of the Church. Their ... continue reading
By Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.
The first step for a Catholic to recognize his obligation to oppose same-sex "marriage," if he does not see it or comprehend it, is to rid himself of the flawed moral heuristic (a moral rule of thumb or short cut) some ideologue has chosen and which may be blinding him ... continue reading
By Catholic Match
Every couple that meets on CatholicMatch moves at their own pace. For some, it's important to move from online connection to a face-to-face date as soon as realistically possible. For others, it's important to let things grow gradually. Matt and Katie fell into the ... continue reading
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
There is no community as sacred as the family. When we reflect on the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph, we see modeled for us how to be as a member of our own family. Whether we're a father, a mother, or a child, the Holy Family shows us how to be. It is ... continue reading
By Catholic Match
Laura was tired of the dating scene or at the very least the relationship scene. By the time the 24-year-old from Maryland got to CatholicMatch, all she wanted was to go on some dates with nice guys, but to keep it casual, just have dinner, and maybe hear that she was ... continue reading
By Deacon F. K. Bartels
The American cultural lens of late has warped the way in which children are viewed to the point that they are seen not as gifts but as burdens. Many people no longer recognize children for who they are: precious jewels of indescribable beauty and worth whose growth, ... continue reading
By Catholic Match
Deanna, 24, and Michael, 28, had never dated before they meet each other on CatholicMatch. Michael had been discerning the priesthood for four years, and it seems God had placed a bubble around lovely Deann a saving her just for Michael. They were married on October 5, ... continue reading
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
A few readers have messaged Catholic Online, asking about Catholic Online's "Global Heartbeat of the Family Month" celebration, what it is and how it works. We wanted to take a moment to share our vision with readers so each family can participate. LOS ANGELES, CA ... continue reading
By Catholic Match
Alex and Emerald are both idealistic young people, dedicated to serving others. At the young age of 23, they have already made self-sacrificing decisions in the service of others. Alex, currently stationed in Norfolk for the U.S. Navy wrote on his CatholicMatch profile ... continue reading
