WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT
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Microfinance for market access Women accounted for 84 percent
of borrowers under the Microfinance Enhancement Facility, with strong representation in rural areas and productive sectors. Investments supported women-led microenterprises and improved financial literacy, while partner institutions adopted gender-sensitive practices in client protection and employee welfare. Results • 84 percent of borrowers were women, including women, women-headed households and women-led MSMEs. • In South Asia, the figure was 98 percent, largely due to Indian MFIs focusing on women borrowers. • MEF’s partner MFIs served 21 million borrowers, with 475,000 directly attributable to MEF funding, 37 percent of loans for microenterprises and 21 percent to small and medium-sized enterprises.
“Development will only be sustainable if its benefits accrue equally to both women and men.”
UN Women, 2018
Leadership and “time poverty” reduction Women gained a stronger voice in local governance, benefitted from improved water and energy infrastructure, and built skills in agriculture and vocational trades. Savings groups enabled financial independence by freeing time previously spent on basic household needs. Results • 51.3 percent of program participants were women, exceeding the target of 30 percent. • 60 percent of female participants were heads of household, surpassing the 20 percent target. • 30.23 percent of women started productive ventures and 34 percent improved their housing conditions. GUATEMALA AND SUDAN 8
Spilling the beans These results demonstrate how integrating gender priorities creates more resilient communities and more inclusive growth. As the 2018 report Turning Promises Into Action by UN Women noted: “Development will only be sustainable if its benefits accrue equally to both women and men; and women’s rights will only become a reality if they are part of broader efforts to protect the planet and ensure that all people can live with dignity and respect.”
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