Micro Credit as Catalyst to Women Empowerment: Evidences and Observations

Abstract

Socio-economic prosperity of a developing nation, like India, demands an active participation of all, particularly women. Credit availability is one of the important conditions to this prosperity. In this regard micro credit through microfinance has been a catalyst in empowering its clients, prevalently women of rural areas. Experiences, national and international show the potency and efficacy of microfinance in transformation. This article delves into the empowerment impact of micro credit in North Eastern Region (NER) of India in general and specifically concentrates on the state of Meghalaya as a micro case. The NER shows ample scope for further growth of the activity in future. An analytical study of 150 samples is done on one of the districts of Meghalaya in order to analyze the impact of microfinance on women empowerment. Findings suggest that microfinance has transformed the lives of the clients to the better over a period of time. Evidences of economic empowerment are observed in form of increase in income, asset accumulation, more participation in economic decision making of household etc. Similarly, more participation in family planning decisions and decisions of health and nutrition concerning family members and in children education are found significant. Clients have got more access to several social amenities and derived more respect in family and outside. These evidences are very encouraging which demand a systematic and well planned micro finance intervention in this region.