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Microfinance and Women’s Agency: Re-evaluating Impact Beyond Income in Rural Bangladesh

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Sadia Tasnim Shara
Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, FE
Hamim Ibrahim
Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, FE
Nazmul Hossain Siam
Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, FE
Md. Atikur Rahaman
Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, FE
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

Abstract: This study describes a specialized time-series dataset obtained from secondary sources to search deep into the long-term impact of microfinance on women's agency in rural Bangladesh between 2000 to 2023. This study evaluates multifaceted empowerment. This includes economic, social, personal, and civic spheres in contrast to conventional evaluations that only consider income. Key variables in the dataset include the number of female microfinance borrowers (from approximately 11 million in 2000 to approximately 22 million in 2023), the penetration of microfinance in rural areas, the size of loans adjusted for inflation, decision-making scores, control over income, freedom of movement, female labor participation, school enrolment, and the existence of social programs led by microfinance. Some of the data sources are MRA, BRAC, Grameen Bank, ASA reports, BDHS, BBS, UNDP, and the World Bank. Techniques for trend analysis and approximation were used because of the lack of annual data. Results demonstrate a steady increase in empowerment metrics, including rural school enrolment 35 percent to 60 percent and women's decision-making index from 0.35 to 0.85, as well as an increase in local governance participation from <5% to 20%. The report elaborates that despite microfinance's substantial contribution to women's economic and social empowerment; institutional and political obstacles still exist. For measuring women's agency and highlighting the need of monitoring non-income-based outcomes for developing solely focused on gender initiatives by providing a continuous, indicator-driven method. This work advances the field of financial equality research.

Keywords

"Microfinance Women's Empowerment Rural Bangladesh Time-Series Analysis. "

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication:
  • Conference Name: "International Conference on Business and Technology in the 21st Century (ICBT) 2025 "
  • Date of Conference: 20/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
  • Venue: University of Asia Pacific (UAP), University of Dhaka (DU)
  • Organizer: School of Business, UAP and the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka (DU)
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