Micro Credit and Women's Empowerment: A Case Study of SML

This paper studies the microcredit program of SHARE Microfin Limited (SML), Andhra Pradesh, India, from the perspective of women's empowerment. It focuses on:

• SML's viewpoint and approach;
• Design and management of the program;
• Changes in the lives and situations of the clientele as perceived by the poor.

As per the paper, SML's 'credit-for-income-generation' model for women groups leads to significant, first level improvements in the lives of women and their households.

• The members perceive:
  • Increased income and assets in the hands of the poor women;
  • Greater control over resources: assets, earnings and savings;
  • Transformation from low wage workers to owner-managers;
  • Visible increase in self-confidence and self-worth;
  • Decrease in domestic violence and increased cooperation from family.
• Local villages communities recognize women's collectives as:
  • Important sources of credit access and incomes;
  • A tool to approach officials and articulate village needs.