Regional Training in Contextualizing
Gender Issues in Microfinance
Whereas microfinance is traditionally viewed
as the mere provision of credit, it has also evolved into
the provision of other related and reinforcing services such
as savings, microinsurance, housing support, business development
services, gender empowerment and the like. These types of
financial and non-financial intermediation, which NAPC refers
to as Microfinance Plus Plus, are being advocated by the Unit
for adoption of all its microfinance partners.
A training guide/module on gender issues in
microfinance was developed to be pilot tested in select MFIs
with the following goals:
- To provide deeper understanding and appreciation on the
importance of gender dimensions in microfinance and development
context in general
- To analyze and assess existing microfinance operations
in the context of gender
- To craft strategies in making microfinance policies and
operations gender-responsive and empowering
Three batches of Regional Training in Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao were already conducted, and attended
by 52 MFIs, 7 Basic Sector Organizations, and NAPC Secretariat
staff. Invitation to MFIs showed 100% attendance in all regional
trainings.
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Gender Training in Luzon |
Gender Training in Visayas |
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Gender Training in Mindanao |
Results of the evaluation after each conducted
training revealed that MFIs and clients appreciate the need
for the inclusion of gender mainstreaming in their policies
and programs to ensure holistic and sustainable development
interventions.
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