Advancing Individual and Societal Development at the Community Level: The Role of NGO Microcredit and Leadership Training‪.‬

Originating in Bangladesh in the 1970s, microfinance programs have been one of the great successes of the developing world. Such programs have assumed a special signifl'cance in countries where tradition and culture keep women from earning money. Equally if not more important is the training in leadership, organization, and management that often accompanies microcredit. A study of lO0 women in 17 Bangladeshi villages who participated in microcredit and leadership programs offered by the NGO Nari Uddog Kendra provided strong evidence that such programs boosted family incomes, empowered women, increased their confidence, enhanced their decision-making skills, and increased their awareness of gender equity (in inequity) issues. Background and Introduction