EMPOWERMENT STATUS OF RURAL MICROFINANCE WOMEN BENEFICIARIES

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to know about the empowerment status of rural microfinance women beneficiaries. The study was conducted in purposively selected Sapchari union of Rangamati Sadar Upazila under Rangamati District. Rural microfinance women beneficiaries of Rangamti Sadar Upazila constituted the population of the study. An update list of 390 women beneficiaries who were related to microfinance programs of different NGOs were prepared with the help of respective NGO workers of these localities. One hundred and sixteen women were selected as the sample of the study by using random sampling method. A well-structured interview schedule was developed based on the objectives of the study for collecting information. The researcher herself collected data through personal contact. Data revealed that majority (50%) of microfinance women beneficiaries had higher empowerment status followed by medium (41%) and lower empowerment status (9%). Among the variables age, education, husband behavior, frequency of credit received, credit utilization, and aspiration had significant positive relationship with empowerment status. Husbands’ education, annual personal income, duration of involvement with microfinance program and mass media exposure had non-significant relationship with empowerment status of rural microfinance women beneficiaries.