Nestor Basemera

Makerere University, Uganda

Title: Remaking Africa through Economically Empowering Her Women: The Case of BRAC Credit Facilities in Kabarole District Uganda

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Biography

Abstract

The study examined the experiences of poor women borrowers involved in BRAC microfinance initiatives in Kabarole District. The study was grounded on Kabeer’s model of empowerment theory which was key in explaining women’s participation, agency as well as decision making from the point of their access to, navigation and the use of urban spaces for microenterprises. A cross-sectional study design was employed, with data collection conducted through interviews, observation and key informant interviews. Information was obtained from women borrowers who were selected through none-probability sampling whereas interview guides were used to obtain key information from four group leaders and BRAC officials who were purposively selected. The findings indicated that, although  BRAC loans largely benefited women borrowers with multiple income sources, the expansion of accessibility to loans for women in far flung districts like Kabarole is economically empowering to women borrowers and increases women’s economic agency and productivity by providing highly needed capital for expansion. Access to the BRAC credit facility has also improved women’s array of choices, improved their participation in decision making, expanded their businesses and increased their appetite for individual loans which were previously seen as a masculine attribute. However, several challenges impeded the successful utilization of BRAC microfinance services by women. These included negative group dynamics, high interest rates short repayment periods, and increased workloads for women, and lack of support from men as well as their fear of economically empowered women which reduced productivity. Additionally, some women misallocated their loans to address household needs, such as children's school fees and house renovations. In light of these findings, it is recommended that BRAC bank evaluates these challenges and develops mitigation strategies to fully empower women.