Why Does Microfinance Target Women? Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

Q2 Economics, Econometrics and Finance Global Journal of Emerging Market Economies Pub Date : 2021-08-26 DOI:10.1177/09749101211040144
Musiliu Okesina
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Abstract

Over the last three decades, microfinance has featured in the Global South development policies as a potential contributor to inclusive financial services, poverty reduction and women empowerment. However, why women are the primary customers of microfinance banks and institutions remains an ongoing research subject. This article presents a study of women in Rivers State, Nigeria, using qualitative research approach. It was found that microfinance financial inclusion objectives in Nigeria are targeted at the active poor—those who own small business and rely on group lending methodology and collateral substitutes to minimize lending risks. Of the active poor, microfinance prioritizes women because of gender stereotypes that women have more “integrity,” show more commitment to loan contracts and are more susceptible to social pressure and sanctions. Targeting women is, therefore, a deliberate and strategic policy to advance the interest of microfinance backers. Therefore, this author contends that microfinance is not a scheme that provides whole-scale financial inclusion and poverty reduction. Instead, it seeks to leverage income-generating activities of the active poor to extract profits. Consequently, the article contributes towards illuminating the role of gender and local context in microfinance practices.
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小额信贷为何以女性为目标?来自尼日利亚的经验证据
在过去三十年中,小额信贷作为包容性金融服务、减贫和增强妇女权能的潜在贡献者,在全球南方发展政策中占有重要地位。然而,为什么妇女是小额信贷银行和机构的主要客户仍然是一个正在进行的研究课题。本文采用定性研究方法对尼日利亚河流州的妇女进行了研究。研究发现,尼日利亚的小额信贷普惠金融目标针对的是活跃的贫困人口——那些拥有小企业并依靠集体贷款方法和抵押品替代品来最大限度地降低贷款风险的人。在活跃的贫困人口中,小额信贷优先考虑妇女,因为性别刻板印象认为妇女更“正直”,对贷款合同表现出更大的承诺,更容易受到社会压力和制裁。因此,以妇女为目标是促进小额信贷支持者利益的一项深思熟虑的战略政策。因此,本文认为小额信贷不是一种提供全面金融普惠和减贫的方案。相反,它寻求利用活跃穷人的创收活动来榨取利润。因此,本文有助于阐明性别和地方背景在小额信贷实践中的作用。
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来源期刊
Global Journal of Emerging Market Economies
Global Journal of Emerging Market Economies Economics, Econometrics and Finance-Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous)
CiteScore
2.70
自引率
0.00%
发文量
27
期刊介绍: Global Journal of Emerging Market Economies is a peer-reviewed journal. The aim of the journal is to provide an international platform for knowledge sharing, discussion and networking on the various aspects related to emerging market economies through publications of original research. It aims to make available basic reference material for policy-makers, business executives and researchers interested in issues of fundamental importance to the economic prospects and performance of emerging market economies. The topics for discussion are related to the following general categories: D. Microeconomics E. Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics F. International Economics G. Financial Economics H. Public Economics I. Health, Education, and Welfare J. Labor and Demographic Economics L. Industrial Organization O. Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth Q. Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics • Environmental and Ecological Economics R. Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics Additionally, the journal would be most interested to publish topics related to Global Financial Crisis and the Impact on Emerging Market Economies Economic Development and Inclusive Growth Climate Change and Energy Infrastructure Development and Public Private Partnerships Capital Flows to and from Emerging Market Economies Regional Cooperation Trade and Investment and Development of National and Regional Financial Markets The Belt and Road Initiative.
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