Impacts of NGOs Microfinance on Women Empowerment in Northern Pakistan

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of NGOs microfinance in women empowerment in the Northern Pakistan. A total number of 309 beneficiaries were selected form three NGOs microfinance (Biyar Local Support Organization, Garamchashma Area Development and Integrated Chitral Development Programme). Quantitative primary data was adopted while the partial least squaresstructural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data collected. A logistic test was also performed to estimate the microfinance impact on women empowerment. The results show microfinance program has boosted the confidence level and the decision making power of the beneficiaries. In addition, respondents are able to make choices regarding the expenditure as well as to express their opinions in the community. The findings imply that more injection of micro loans by the government and NGOs so women can play a greater role in the community specifically to improve the wellbeing of the members of the households.