CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2023
| Author | Noureen, Amina |
|---|---|
| Title | Microfinance for Women and Khawaja Saras in Pakistan: Opportunities and Limitations |
| Summary | Microfinance is a powerful tool for poverty alleviation and economic development, challenging traditional banking systems and relying on communal power. While previous research primarily focuses on women, microfinance has expanded its reach to marginalized communities like Khawaja saras in Pakistan. This study aims to explore the impact of microfinance on women and Khawaja saras in Pakistan through 14 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus groups. My key findings include that microfinance contributes to the lives of women and Khawaja saras in a limited manner. I argue that marginalized communities of women and Khwaja saras create resistance and agency, build skill sets and relationships that support their lives through microfinance loans. However, the impact is constrained by personal and structural factors. Personal constraints include lack of qualifications, limited mobility, timing issues, and religious beliefs. Structural constraints encompass social stigma, discrimination against Khawaja saras, and the influence of gender norms and patriarchy on women’s lives. I also analyze my internship experience at Yunus Center AIT, a think tank and capacity-building institute focused on microfinance and entrepreneurship. Even though the system that YCA exists in is still patriarchal and racially biased, the center works to train and equip young people to become potential social Entrepreneurs. The case study of Wedu demonstrates an successful entrepreneurial initiative empowering young female leaders through leadership, mentoring, and funding, to address structural inequalities. I conclude with the recommendation that microfinance institutes adopt a comprehensive approach by providing training, services, and flexible timing and repayment options based on clients’ future income. This approach can enhance the effectiveness of microfinance programs in empowering marginalized communities. By addressing personal and structural constraints, microfinance can contribute more significantly to women’s and Khawaja saras’ lives, fostering inclusive economic development and challenging gender norms and patriarchy. Keywords: women, Khawaja saras, microfinance, opportunities, and limitations |
| Supervisor | Fodor, Eva |
| Department | Gender Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2023/noureen_amina.pdf |
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