The Role of Microcredit Funds in Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs
Keywords:
Bahar (city), Economic empowerment, Rural women, Microcredit fundAbstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the role of microcredit funds in empowering rural women entrepreneurs in Bahar County, Hamadan Province. The research method was survey–analytical, and the statistical population consisted of 360 women who were members of 12 rural microcredit funds in this county. The sample size was determined as 400 individuals (200 members and 200 non-members) using Cochran’s formula. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. For data analysis, statistical tests including T-test, ANOVA, and correlation coefficients were applied. The findings indicated that women who were members of the funds demonstrated higher economic empowerment (t = 4.435, p < .001) and psychological empowerment (t = 2.170, p < .05) compared to non-member women. However, no significant difference was observed in social empowerment (t = 1.093, p = .275). In addition, a positive and significant relationship was found between the duration of membership in the fund (r = .204, p < .05) and the amount of loans received (r = .277, p < .01) with women’s empowerment. Women with personal savings also showed higher levels of empowerment (t = 6.381, p < .001). The results reveal the positive impact of microcredit funds on the economic and psychological empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs. It is suggested that to increase the effectiveness of these funds, measures such as raising loan ceilings, providing diverse financial services, offering entrepreneurship and business management training, and organizing psychological empowerment workshops should be implemented. Furthermore, greater attention should be given to women’s social empowerment through encouraging social participation and promoting education on citizenship rights.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Rohollah Rajaei (Author); Shohre Taj; Simin Armaghan (Author)
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