Study on Microfinance and Social Mobilization for Women's Empowerment - A Case Study of DHAN Foundation

This study was undertaken to look into the following aspects of the Dhan Foundation:

• The role of Dhan foundation as an institution, its perspective and approach in contributing to the empowering processes;
• The design and management of microfinance program of Dhan foundation, its out reach and the process of women's empowerment;
• The changes in the life of individual as well as collectives of women as a result of Dhan's interventions.

Major inferences drawn by the study suggest that the Dhan interventions:

• Have been able to reach out to a large number of poorest and disadvantaged section of women;
• Have reduced the vulnerability of the women, thus impacting poverty in the long run;
• Have brought about socio-political change through:
  • Breakdown of caste and class barriers;
  • Women getting ready to participate in panchayat elections.

Major challenges that the study highlights include:

• Verifying the economic viability of the projects along with appropriate skill development of the beneficiaries to ensure sustainability of the interventions;
• Lack of education, awareness and economic opportunities creating constraints in providing equals status for women and man;
• Oppressive caste structures and social evils still prevailing in the society.