Mikro kredit dalam pemerkasaan wanita luarbandar di Sulawesi Selatan

Abstract

Most clients of microfinance institutions throughout the world are women. Basically, three reasons are used to prioritize women's access to microfinance services, which are poverty, increased efficiency and sustainability and equality in empowerment. Empowerment is a process of change by which individuals or groups gain power and ability to take control over their lives. This involves increased well being, access to resources, self-confidence, self-esteem and respect, participation in decision-making, and increased control over their own life. This study examined the extent to which the microcredit finance contributed to the empowerment of poor women in rural areas and reduced poverty both in the households and community. Research was conducted in Gowa district, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Survey method was used as a technique of data collection. There were 151 respondents involved in this study. The results of this study support the existing literature showing the positive impact of microcredit finance to increase the income of participants, the quality and quantity of spending, the quality of life, and the education for the children. It is also found that the provision of microcredit has been able to increase a woman’s role of self-reliance. The study revealed that women with access to financial resources are able to improve the welfare of their households. Access to credit has helped rural women to understand the purpose of saving, organize better household expenditure and plan for the future. Women’s participation in microcredit programs has enhanced their role, especially as the social capital of the community through acquiring the self-esteem, business skills, confidence level and decision making power.