Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Empowerment; feminist theories and research; micro enterprise; research categories; social work; social welfare history and philosophy; women in poverty
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Social Work
Exploring Women's Empowerment Through "Credit-Plus" Microfinance In India, Kristin Krenz, Dorie J. Gilbert, Gokul Mandayam
Exploring Women's Empowerment Through "Credit-Plus" Microfinance In India, Kristin Krenz, Dorie J. Gilbert, Gokul Mandayam
Faculty Publications
Transnational feminist discourse has critiqued the pursuit of women’s empowerment through international development programs. Empowerment, when reduced to the provision of financial resources and services, is unlikely to lead to wider changes in gender inequality unless programs strategically combine credit with other vital services. We interviewed women participating in a multifaceted empowerment program in Mumbai, India, to explore the potential of the ‘‘Credit-Plus’’ model to facilitate pathways of individual and collective empowerment. Emergent themes of empowerment were enhanced socioemotional well-being, increased economic assets, and improved household gender equity. Interview responses demonstrate changes in individual, household, and collective agency dynamics.