Role Of Microfinance Programs On Empowerment Of Women In Kenya. Case Study Of Wide Ridge Visions Development Programme

ABSTRACT

This study was intended to examine the role of microfinance programs on women

empowerment with specific reference to Wide Ridge Visions Development Programme

in Maragua district, Kenya.

The objectives of the study were to determine the programs offered to women

entrepreneurs by WRVDP, to examine how the foresaid programs influence

empowerment in women entrepreneurs, to investigate the current trend of welfare among

MFis in Kenya today and to establish the missing links within the programs and make

necessary recommendations.

The methods used in data collection were questionnaires, interviews, document review

and the researcher's ground observation.

From the findings it was discovered that majority of the clients were women with

families with secondary education level who owned small businesses with minimal

management skills.

The fact that not only is microfinance good for women, but also women are good for

micro financing was also highlighted. The study also found out that most MFis including

WRVDP did not have clear programmes that could train women on how to manage their

business inorder for them to grow.

The conclusion made indicated that microfinance had impacted women in various levels

including personal, business and household and this has led to changed perception by

women. These changes in perception have led to increased participation by women in

community leadership and in some cases, political positions; and this is a level of women

empowerment.

The general recommendations are that MFis especially those focused on women should

initiate business management training programs to improve the skills of women on how

to run their business inorder for them to grow from small shops to large enterprises. MFis

should also follow-up on the women and their businesses to ensure their businesses run

smoothly and if they is potential for expansion can provide the necessary funds.