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Microfinance has been widely recognized today as an effective tool in combating poverty and empowering the world’s marginalized populations. Case studies have highlighted its potential role in creating social capital and advancing human development.

Women throughout the world contribute to the economic growth and sustainable livelihoods of their families and communities. Most of the microfinance programmes target only women – the most vulnerable segment of the society.

Women and Microfinance is an attempt to investigate the relationship between microfinance and women in Rajasthan. Rajasthan, a predominately feudal society, is a relatively backward state with respect to microfinance movement. With low literacy rate among women, sparsely distributed population in hamlets in the far-off villages, well-established caste system – all these combine to give a very different flavour to the whole microfinance movement in Rajasthan. The book looks into the various aspects related to microfinance and its relation with women – be it the SHG movement, role of credit societies, non-formal as well as the formal financial institutions, companies etc. It not only sees the women empowerment and income earning opportunities (for the women) but the management, livelihood skills, sustainability and social acceptance of the whole movement. The study will draw attention of all those who are involved in policy making, organization and operation of micro-credit institutions.

Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. Microfinance in India. 3. Status of Microfinance in Rajasthan. 4. Organizational Structure of MFIs and Women SHGs. 5. Women's Perspective on Microfinance. 6. Major Findings. 7. Conclusion, Suggestions and recommendations.