Microfinancing and Women Empowerment in Duterimbere Muhanga Branch, Rwanda

ABSTRACT This research investigated the relationship between degree of micro-financing and extent of women empowerment in Duterimbere, Muhanga in Rwanda. Apart from the profile of respondents, the study investigated the degree of micro-financing, extent of women empowerment and lastly, the significant relationship between the two variables. In the literature review, economic empowerment approach on women subordination to lack of economic power was used to draw a closer understanding into the study variables. The researcher employed descriptive correlation design, The sample size for this study was 336 respondents from targeted women clients of 2105 and the sampling was done by the use of stratified random sampling. The study used self administered questionnaires as research instrument. The validity and reliability of study instruments were done through Content Validity Index, Data was analyzed in both qualitative and quantitatively using statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression matrix. Findings indicated that degree of micro-financing in Duterimber, Muhanga in Rwanda is still at medium degree with overall mean of 3.09; the extent of women empowerment in the area of study is also still at medium level at overall mean value of 3.07. Additionally, findings indicate positive significant relationship between the study variables at (r =J76, P< ,010) at .05 level of significance. The study concluded that degree of micro-financing to women positively influences their empowerment socially, economically and politically most especially in their homes. It was recommended that the different stakeholders such as the government, private sector and women organizations should work together in ensuring that sufficient lending is done to so as to uplift them in all spheres of life.