Islamic-Based Microfinance And Poverty Alleviation: Case Study Of Home-Based Women Workers In Pakistan

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Date
2014-07
Authors
Hassan, Syed Salman
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Poverty is one of the major problems of all developing countries, including Pakistan and, globally, microfinance has proven to be an effective tool for poverty alleviation. In Pakistan in 2007, almost 90% of total labour force belongs to informal economy and out of which 70% are home-based women workers, living in absolute poverty. Despite of their contribution in the economy, they remain invisible, vulnerable to socio-cultural restrictions and discriminations, which make it difficult for them to access financial resources. The present study explores the impact of Islamic-based microfinance on poverty in home-based women workers. Efforts were also made to analyse their potential for establishing microenterprises and to provide arguments for the effectiveness of Islamic-based microfinance as a better intervention for poverty alleviation among home-based women workers than the conventional microfinance. The dualistic-development theory guides and underpins the study. By combining this theory with the conceptual framework of the study, the issues of home-based women workers are viewed from holistic perspective. The case study method of qualitative research was used in the present study and primary data was gathered from home-based women workers, located in different areas of Lahore and Rawalpindi, Pakistan, who have availed microfinance from Akhuwat and Islamic Relief Pakistan (Islamic-based interest free microfinance institutions). The study found that after availing the provision of Islamic-based interest free microfinance, there was a significant positive change and betterment in the household circumstances of home-based women workers. Their indigenous mode of acquiring the skills, willingness to enhance their economic activity, living in the urban areas and desire to come out of the poverty reflects their potential for developing microenterprises. The research study concludes that Islamic-based interest free microfinance is a better intervention than conventional interest based microfinance in case of women home-based workers. For poverty alleviation, the government should support Islamic microfinance program, based on inclusive financial system, as it is selfsustainable, effective and in accordance with the religious beliefs of the home-based women workers.
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Keywords
Islamic-based microfinance , poverty alleviation
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