Women Empowerment through Microfinance: A Malawi Case Study

This case study investigates the impact of microfinance on the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Malawi. Using a descriptive research design, the study assesses the correlation between women's economic empowerment and the services provided by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in the Bangwe township. Data was collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews with 40 women entrepreneurs from ten MFIs, selected using simple random probability sampling. The findings, presented through pie charts and graphs, indicate that microfinance services play a crucial role in supporting women entrepreneurs' economic empowerment. The study's results are intended to inform policy recommendations aimed at enabling MFIs to better meet the financial empowerment needs of women entrepreneurs, contributing to Malawi's progress towards achieving its Vision 2020 goals. The research covers aspects such as the reduction of harassment and violence, enhancement of family reputation, business expansion plans, and the impact of microfinance programs on managerial skills and decision-making.