Microfinance and Women: A Comprehensive Review of Existing Literature

Abstract

The paper attempts to study the relationship between women and their access to micro finance tools in determining their empowerment process. It analyses the emergence of global concepts, models and formats of micro finance, its proximity to women and the methodology adopted through state intervention to economically strengthen this weaker section of the society. This paper argues that women have identified with micro finance delivery mechanism in developing economies like India and Bangladesh. The shift in their economic status in alleviation of poverty levels from grassroots remains visible today. The paper highlights the strategy behind micro-finance access in empowering women for establishing a gendered society and creating inclusive growth. The paper therefore incorporates current literature on the issue to support the arguments.