The Influence of Microfinance on Women’s Employment and Income Generation in Gujarat

Abstract

In developing countries like India, microfinance is emerging as a significant tool for improving financial inclusion and financial empowerment of women. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of microfinance on employment and income generation among the women in Gujarat. The study focuses specifically on the effects of microfinance participation on employment options, the effects of microfinance services on income generation, and the microfinance access and women's micro-enterprise and self-employment activities. Employing the positivist philosophy, deductive approach and quantitative research design, primary data were obtained from 200 women beneficiaries using a structured questionnaire and subsequently analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and Pearson correlation techniques in SPSS 27. The results indicated that those who are participating in microfinance showed positive impact on employment opportunity and income generation and access to microfinance positively contributes to enterprise development and self-employment. The study finds microfinance to be a good tool for economic empowerment and inclusive growth of women in Gujarat.