Does the Participation in the Microcredit Programs Contribute to the Development of Women Entrepreneurship at the Household Level? Experience from Bangladesh

This study examines the impact of microcredit program participation on women entrepreneurship development at the household level in Bangladesh. The study assesses whether participation in microcredit programs helps women to start their own businesses and create employment for other people. The analysis is based on a household-level survey of 920 households. The sample households were selected randomly from participants of three MFIs, namely, Grameen Bank, BRAC and ASA, in Bangladesh. The analysis uses descriptive statistics and multivariate techniques. Results indicate that:

• Participation in microcredit programs does not promote women entrepreneurship at the household level;
• Participation, however, significantly increases capital of existing businesses that are operated by male members of participating households.