Assessing the Role of Microfinance on Women Empowerment: A case of PRIDE (T) -Shinyanga

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the role of micro finance (PRIDE) on women empowerment in Shinyanga Municipality. The study tried to assess two specific objectives which were to assess the best way to be considered by pride to empower women and assess the relationship between the roles of micro finance on women empowerment. The study used a sample of 92 beneficiaries of microfinance services from micro finance institution, PRIDE (T). Microfinance services and entrepreneurial skills were independent variables and women empowerment was the dependent variable. The researcher used primary data collection tools such as interviews. The findings revealed that both microfinance services contribute 97 percent of women empowerment and entrepreneur skills also contribute 71.4 percent on women empowerment. Finding from the multiple linear regressions showed that reduction of harsh condition, increase of entrepreneur skills, saving, loan and reduction of interest rate were 0.327, 0.316, 0.274, 0.370, and 0.289 respectively. The model explained that there is direct relationship between women empowerment and the role of micro finance services as well as entrepreneur skills.