Gender Bias in Microfinance
A later version of this paper is published in Journal of Development Studies, Vol. 49, Issue. 5, pp.589-608, 2013
30 Pages Posted: 22 Mar 2016
Date Written: 2013
Abstract
We provide empirical evidence on focusing on women in microfinance and its consequences for microfinance institutions (MFIs). Based on a global dataset, the results indicate that a focus on women is associated with group-lending methods, international orientation, smaller loans, and non-commercial legal status. We find that a focus on women significantly improves repayment but does not enhance overall financial performance because of higher relative costs. Moreover, the higher relative costs do not stem from servicing women per se but from the smaller loans offered to women and the group-lending methodology practised by MFIs focusing on women.
Keywords: Microfinance, gender, MFI performance
JEL Classification: G21
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation