Microcredit and the empowerment of women (original) (raw)

In the last four centuries, microcredits have become a popular means to combat poverty world-wide. One of the arguments used to support microcredits is that they will lead to the empowerment of women. However, especially in the last years, critical studies on the question of whether microcredit leads to empowerment have been published. This diploma thesis deals with the controversial topic through theoretical consideration as well as through an empirical study. The theroretical part of the diploma thesis describes the historical development of microcredits in different countries. Apart from that, an overview of the panoply of studies about microcredit and empowerment describes the current state of research. The empirical part of the diploma thesis presents the results of a research conducted in a microcredit programme in the slum of Kibera (Nairobi/ Kenya), where savings and loan groups have been established. The author concerned herself with the question of how the group savings an...