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The Australian Development Gateway (ADG) strives to support members of the development community in their efforts to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region. The site has been created with participation from members of government, private, academia and non-government organisations. User feedback mechanisms have been incorporated to guide future directions of the site. The site is optimised for low bandwidth access to enable the widest participation throughout the Asia Pacific region.

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Gender and Cultural Issues

Microfinance and gender equality: are we getting there? (pdf 121kb)

This paper examines the contribution of microfinance to gender equality, drawing on case studies of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in developing countries.

The paper finds that some MFIs have not fully integrated gender issues in their practical operations. This tends to be due to:
- the pressures to survive as an organisation
- the responsibility of women to support their families
- women's business skills and training
- existing market conditions

The paper argues that MFIs that aim to serve women in particular need assistance in both structural set-up and in establishing a mutually compatible focus of gender differentiation and organisational sustainability.

 

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