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 鈥榟aving an independent income鈥� and other empowerment indicators

Abstract

This brief summaries a research paper

The research sets out to understand the relationship between women 鈥榟aving an independent income鈥� (one of Chars Livelihoods Programme鈥檚 empowerment indicators) and CLP鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 empowerment. Chars Livelihoods Programme (2014) 4 pp.

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2014