Brief: Women as entrepreneurs: the impact of having an independent income on women's empowerment

This research sets out to understand the relationship between women ‘having an independent income’ and other empowerment indicators

Abstract

This brief summaries a research paper

The research sets out to understand the relationship between women ‘having an independent income’ (one of Chars Livelihoods Programme’s empowerment indicators) and CLP’s other 9 empowerment indicators. Significant correlations were seen between having an independent income and six other empowerment indicators: influencing investment decisions; keeping the family cash; having personal savings; being invited to social occasions; attending meetings or trainings; and becoming a member of a committee.

Changes in male perceptions towards women earning their own income source were seen to develop over time and related to: increased financial stability; an increase and confidence in women’s decision-making; women having increased control over family finances; and increased social participation, as well as having the confidence to participate. A reduction in social stigma was noted and overall, women reported an increase in respect from their husbands and other community members.

Citation

Anon. Brief: Women as entrepreneurs: the impact of having an independent income on women’s empowerment. Chars Livelihoods Programme (2014) 4 pp.

Brief: Women as entrepreneurs: the impact of having an independent income on women’s empowerment

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2014