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Does micro-finance empower women in Bangladesh? An evaluation of the evidence

This report re-evaluates existing research on the subject of empowerment potential for women through participation in micro-finance programmes in Bangladesh. It recognises that empowerment is a contested concept and its measurement is extremely difficult; that different authors have differing ideas as to what constitutes empowerment; how to measure empowerment and why empowerment is taking place. This report seeks to reassess current studies against a theoretical framework in order to cut through the complexity of the differing approaches by ranking the evidence by the amount of observable processual changes that characterise empowerment that are evident. The field of knowledge can then be analysed to show the typical types of empowerment that are generated and why they come about. The results of the framework analysis are presented in easily assimilated numeric form. The report then discusses problem areas of micro-finance and highlights areas where authors’ views on the evidence differ from the frameworks analysis.

The report concludes that although the picture is mixed there is strong evidence of empowerment through participation in micro-finance programmes. The evidence suggests a link between the way micro-finance is delivered and an increase in public action. Micro-finance is a very useful development tool but should be part of a mixed strategy for women in Bangladesh.

Author:Ashten Regan-Denham

HD PDF New Does micro-finance empower women in Bangladesh? An evaluation of the evidence (3322)

How can NGOs practice ‘doing good’ and minimise ‘doing harm’? What are the dilemmas and challenges present?

Promoting human rights, driving the cause against climate change, and at the forefront of disaster relief; non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have an essential role in addressing the issues of global poverty and injustice. Despite good intentions, harmful conduct can arise at any time without an NGO even being aware.

This Paper by Carly Garonne contributes to the growing body of research on ‘doing good’ and minimising ‘doing harm’ by arguing that harm can be reduced by deeply understanding the context of each programme, taking a rights-based approach and conducting participatory work. Additionally, one of the most important means, albeit controversial, is to record failure.

Due to the complexities of this debate, this paper specifically concentrates on the role of international NGOs (INGOs) in order to channel the research. The content is structured into three parts beginning with an overview of INGOs in a modern context to show that growing pressure is being placed on NGOs to increase effectiveness and be accountable for their actions. The dilemmas facing INGOs will be analysed in part two, through the provision of numerous examples and case studies to highlight existing challenges. To finish, general principles that all INGOs can adopt to increase effectiveness will be presented.

Author: Carly Garonne

HD PDF New How can NGOs practice ‘doing good’ and minimise ‘doing harm’? What are the dilemmas and challenges present? (4530)

Allah and Micro-Finance? Investigating Islamic Banking Principles in Indonesia’s Microfinance Sector, and its Potential for Economic Empowerment

Poverty is widely conceived to be the largest moral and economic challenge of this century, and thus it comes as no surprise that the first Millennium Development Goal attempts to tackle the issue of poverty eradication. One increasingly significant instrument of poverty alleviation and community development is that of microcredit and microsavings, popularized by Professor Muhammed Yunus and the Grameen Bank.

However in Indonesia alone over half of the national population live on -or under- a mere US 2% daily.The successful establishment of microfinance institutions in the Muslim world could prove to be a valuable asset in the fight against poverty. However, an additional obstacle is posed by Islamic shariah which challenges conventional banking principles, mandating and promoting its own Islamic banking principles instead.

In this paper, the main question that will be addressed is whether the application of Islamic banking principles to microfinance in Indonesia has been more beneficial in promoting economic growth among the Muslim poor than conventional microfinance practices. And further, what this application can imply for the rest of the Muslim world.

Author:Amina Samy


HD PDF NewAllah and Micro-Finance? Investigating Islamic Banking Principles in Indonesia's Microfinance Sector, and its Potential for Economic Empowerment (2462)

Effectiveness of NGOs versus the State

Since the 1980s non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and governments/states have become inextricably connected within international development. This paper analyses the role of NGOs and the state in African development and how relationships between the two can be both problematic and beneficial. The paper is structured into three sections which will explore economic, political and human development.


Author: Craig Tucker


HD PDF NewAre NGOs are more effective at facilitating development than governments? (3787)

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