Economic And Gender Empowerment of Rural Women

In Mirpurkhas southern Sindh, there are very limited economic opportunities for women to earn a sustainable income. Incidence of poverty along with illiteracy is high and though rich in cultural craftsmanship, they lack technical skills and have less exposure to market trends. Many face restriction on mobility outside homes due to cultural constraints. Their role within the household and communities is not very active particularly in the decision making process. Financial institutes rarely support small business activities in the region, which often results in a high percentage of people being forced to rely on local money lenders that charge interest rates from 80% to 350% per year. Repayment of these loans takes away a major portion of their income and forces them into a vicious poverty trap.

Empowerment through micro credit and literacy is one of the most effective tools in eradicating poverty. Evidence shows that such financial services given to poor women not only increases their income but also gives them confidence and respect within the communities. CWS–P/A started this project in July 2006 in collaboration with “The Lower Sindh Rural Development Association (LSRDA)’. The project is supported by CWS International.

The aim of the project is to strengthen the financial and social well being of female entrepreneurs by the provision of micro loans to 25 self help groups (made up from 750 women borrowers) in 25 selected villages of the Mirpurkhas district every year till June 2008.