Social Performance of Microfinance in Women Empowerment: A Paradox?

Abstract

Despite the fact that microfinance has been acclaimed as a universal model against poverty alleviation and enhancing women empowerment, in the name of empowerment microfinance has created a number of social problems for its target group which is primarily poor women. This article presents a broad social perspective on the contribution of microfinance on women's empowerment in Bangladesh. That means, this paper will analyze both the positive and the negative social impacts of microfinance on women's empowerment and emancipation of women in Bangladesh.