How does microcredit benefit women in Nicaragua?
Ms. de Montis: Nicaraguan women constitute the majority of clients of micro-financiers. However, they only receive 21% of the total amount of money given. On average, men receive 15,175 córdobas (806 USD) and women receive 6,585 córdobas (349 USD). In addition, most of the activities that women undertake reinforce traditional roles such as preparing food, sewing, and other services. Many women’s activities are subsistence and generate minor profits. Women need microcredit, savings programs, insurance, and other financial services in Nicaragua. They also need new knowledge, skills, and abilities to improve the quality of their products, to increase and strengthen their markets, and to develop profitable economic activities. Please talk about the importance of incorporating leadership and empowerment work with microcredit programs: Ms. de Montis: Access to credit can lessen obstacles for women to gain economic and political empowerment when it is accompanied by other services including e
