Micro-credit and Women Empowerment: A Case of Female Headed Households in Uganda
Keywords:
Micro-credit, female headed household, empowerment.Abstract
Progress of any society especially the poor is based on government Interventions or any development partner. Micro-credit are mandated to empower women. This study aimed at finding out whether the outcomes of utilization of Micro-credit have led to empowerment of Female Headed Households (FHHs). Data collection was done from 209 respondents. Qualitative Research design guided the study. Research tools like questionnaires, interviews, focused group discussions and observation were mainly employed. Data was collaborated with the literature review during discussion. The Study reveals that Micro-credit provided loans to start income generating projects, training and skills development, mobilisation of savings, money transfers and mobile money banking services, leading to improved incomes, household welfare and domestic purchases. Above all, female headed households continue to be poor and marginalised amidst such Interventions. The study recommends that Micro-credit be made more flexible, incorporate special relief non-financial intermediations and schemes in order to meet the deliberate gender needs within the household and at the community level.
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