Women's Micro Credit Loans and 'Gam'iyyaat' Saving Clubs in Cairo, Egypt: The Role of Social Networks in the Neighbourhood

Abstract

This article examines the influence of social networks on women's micro credit loan groups and gam'iyyaat savings clubs. Research from Cairo, Egypt, suggests that women's social networks at the neighbourhood level facilitate micro credit and savings practices. A sample of 69 micro credit loan participants, including women borrowers and key staff members, was drawn from the Abdeen and Imbeba neighbourhoods of Cairo, Egypt. The article highlights that micro credit is not a solution for poverty in an often unpredictable and unstable economy, but should be available in collaboration with other health, social and educational initiatives to contribute to meeting women's gendered human development and human security needs.