EFFECT OF MICROFINANCE SERVICES ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN KANO METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT This study examines the Effect of microfinance services on women empowerment in Kano metropolis. The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of microfinance services on women’s economic empowerment in Kano Metropolis.To examine the effect of microfinance services on women’s social empowerment in Kano metropolis. To analyze the relationship between microfinance services and women’s psychological impact in Kano metropolis. To identify the challenges faced by women in accessing microfinance services in Kano metropolis. Ledgerwood, J. (1999) Microfinance is a financial service that provides small loans and other financial services to low-income individuals or those who do not have access to typical banking services. Descriptive research design was used for the research work. The population of the study was 2,345,961 of which the total sample size drawn was 342. The method of data collection was primary data and the collection method used is survey method. The study utilized questionnaire administered by the researcher with response supplied by the respondents. The relationship between microfinance services and women empowerment was analyzed using Inferential statistics with the use of multiple regression. Following the findings of this research work, the researcher makes the following: Microfinance institutions should integrate business training programs. Flexible repayment structures should be introduced.Government and NGOs should provide complementary empowerment programs. Women should be encouraged to diversify income sources. Instead of relying solely on microfinance, women should explore multiple streams of income to reduce financial risk.