Share the Story of How Microfinance Works for Women

Consider the story of Puja Patel, a single mother who lives with her four children in a village in India. With a $50 loan, she bought a sewing machine. She made clothes, sold them for a profit and repaid the loan with interest. She was also able to save some money to buy books and send her children to the local school. This is microfinance in action.

The vast majority of microfinance borrowers -- 84 percent -- are women. And experts believes that empowering women through programs like microfinance is the key to ending poverty and its resulting social problems.

Although many women are initially hesitant to accept loans, their self confidence soars when they realize they can run a successful business and repay their loans. They use their profits to pay for things that can enhance their family's welfare, like education, healthcare and nutritious food. Their status in their family and social circle increases. They tend to have fewer children. They can therefore invest more in the health and education of each child, making it more likely that future generations will end the cycle of poverty.

You can help women help themselves out of poverty by spreading the word about microfinance in your community! Pledge to tell your friends, family and coworkers about Puja's story and encourage them to learn more about microfinance!