Women's Empowerment Through Microcredit in Rural Bangladesh: Evidence From Lakshmipur District

Md. Zahidul Islam; Nishat Tasnim; Md. Sobur Hossain; Shammi Akter; Md. Mehedi Hasan; Jabun Nahar; Mst. Sumaia Akter

doi:10.70771/jocw.101

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2024), Articles

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2024)

Women's Empowerment Through Microcredit in Rural Bangladesh: Evidence From Lakshmipur District

Articles

https://doi.org/10.70771/jocw.101

Published 2024-10-20

Md. Zahidul Islam⁺⁻
Nishat Tasnim⁺⁻
Md. Sobur Hossain⁺⁻
Shammi Akter⁺⁻
Md. Mehedi Hasan⁺⁻
Jabun Nahar⁺⁻
Mst. Sumaia Akter⁺⁻

Md. Zahidul Islam

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Dhaka,1000, Bangladesh

Nishat Tasnim

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, 5400, Bangladesh

Md. Sobur Hossain

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, 5400, Bangladesh

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0366-3619

Shammi Akter

Department of Law, Stamford University, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh

Md. Mehedi Hasan

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Jabun Nahar

English Department, Comilla University

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8061-0545

Mst. Sumaia Akter

Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka

https://doi.org/10.70771/jocw.101

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Md. Zahidul Islam, Nishat Tasnim, Hossain, M. S., Shammi Akter, Md. Mehedi Hasan, Jabun Nahar, & Mst. Sumaia Akter. (2024). Women’s Empowerment Through Microcredit in Rural Bangladesh: Evidence From Lakshmipur District. Journal Of Creative Writing (ISSN-2410-6259), 8(2), 34–49. https://doi.org/10.70771/jocw.101

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of microcredit on women’s empowerment in rural Bangladesh, specifically within the Lakshmipur District. A quantitative research approach was adopted by utilizing the data collected through a structured questionnaire. The survey involved 150 women from the district with a focus on their economic activities, autonomy, and social participation. The findings reveal that most respondents (65%) engage in trading supported primarily by microfinance and NGO loans. The majority (43%) achieved annual earnings exceeding BDT 6000, yet 40% reported challenges with loan repayment. The household decision-making analysis showed that 57% of the participants exercised autonomy over financial choices. The results suggest that 83% of the respondents were married, underscoring their motivation to improve family finances. Moreover, 93% observed positive effects on family life, highlighting the role of microcredit in promoting economic and social empowerment, despite cultural challenges. Recommendations include integrating skill development with microcredit programs and involving male family members to create a supportive environment. This study highlights the potential of microcredit while suggesting pathways to achieve more sustainable empowerment for rural women in Bangladesh.

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