The South Asia Gender Innovation Lab has published a review of studies that summarizes the effects of providing grants, credit, or flexible loan contracts on women’s economic empowerment outcomes in South Asia. The research finds that the provision of financial products can induce women to enter entrepreneurship, but these effects are often not sustained over time. Evidence for improvements in profitability, labor force participation, and empowerment is mixed but the provision of flexibility in loan repayment schedules has consistent and positive impacts on profits.
Blog » A Systematic Review of Financial Product Interventions on Women’s Economic Empowerment
A Systematic Review of Financial Product Interventions on Women’s Economic Empowerment
The South Asia Gender Innovation Lab has published a review of studies that summarizes the effects of providing grants, credit, or flexible loan contracts on women’s economic empowerment outcomes in South Asia. The research finds that the provision of financial products can induce women to enter entrepreneurship, but these effects are often not sustained over time. Evidence for improvements in profitability, labor force participation, and empowerment is mixed but the provision of flexibility in loan repayment schedules has consistent and positive impacts on profits.
Read the Review