Item – Theses Canada

OCLC number
671529485
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
McNeilly, Erin,1983-
Title
Exploring the circumstances of women involved in microfinance in Gaborone, Botswana.
Degree
M.A. -- University of Guelph, 2008
Publisher
Ottawa : Library and Archives Canada = Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, [2009]
Description
2 microfiches
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
Botswana is one of Africa's success stories of economic development. This study examines the circumstances and experiences of women involved with Women's Finance House, a microcredit lending project in Gaborone, Botswana. It is an exploratory study based on three months of fieldwork from May to August 2007. Microfinance has been widely employed as a useful development strategy to improve women's economic wellbeing. In Botswana, microfinance has gained popularity in order to diversify the economy, which is currently dominated by diamond mining and beef exports. It is also important for encouraging a self-reliant population in Botswana. In addition, microfinance is a tool for empowerment through which women can meet practical and strategic gendered needs. Batswana women face opportunities and obstacles to income-generating activities in Gaborone. Gender inequality, inaccessibility to resources, and the crisis of HIV/AIDS impede women entrepreneurs' income earning potential. In concluding this research, the difficulty in differentiating between practical and strategic gendered needs is discussed. In addition, whether or not the microcredit project meets the needs of Batswana women is explored. The role of microfinance as a development approach to empower women in Botswana through capacity building is also examined.
ISBN
9780494418482
0494418486