Browsing by Subject "microfinance"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    The Calnali Microfinance Project: Three-Year Retrospective and Future Initiatives [poster]
    (2013-04-23) Hook, Sara Anne; Ankenbruck, Mary
    The Calnali Microfinance Project officially began in March 2010 with a visit from a delegation from IUPUI. Three years of data clearly demonstrate the feasibility of microfinance, even in the most remote areas of a country and in communities which have not had a tradition of entrepreneurship. The poster will emphasize the importance of partnerships between universities, non-profit organizations at the local, national and international level and leaders in the host community in setting a foundation for long-term success. Among the partner organizations that continue to be integral to the project are Rotary clubs in Indiana, Missouri and Mexico, the Rotarian Action Group for Microfinance, Pro Mujer, the IUPUI BiCCHEC Signature Center, the IUPUI Center for Service and Friends of Hidalgo. The support of newly elected leadership in Calnali was essential in providing the on-the-ground advocacy and cultural/political sensitivity that are necessary to move forward with this type of project. The lessons learned from the project transcend national boundaries. Recent research findings show that what women who participate in microfinance programs want as outcomes are universal: food for their families, a roof over their heads and educational opportunities for their children. The poster will feature photographs of the people and the region, the project website and a brief video. It will provide the most current performance indicators for the project and highlight plans for sustaining and expanding its capacity in the future, such as a major grant proposal to Rotary International and providing health services to the community.
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    A Critique of Microfinance In-Context: Lessons from Kiva in Guatemala
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2013-04-05) Plew, Jim
    This paper examines the microfinance industry and its recent use of technology in connecting individual lenders to borrowers in developing countries. Special consideration is given to the ethical dimensions and associated risks inherent in these social ventures. In addition, this paper seeks to establish a ‘rubric for effectiveness’ for social ventures in developing countries through the analysis of data, testimonials, and stories from the field. Topics include economic development, poverty alleviation, social efficiency, social capital, information asymmetry, and local neoliberalism. Drawing on the results and conclusions of this study, questions for future research in the field of social entrepreneurship are presented.
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    International Service Learning Through Microfinance: Enhancing Global Perspectives While Empowering Women
    (2012-04-20) Hook, Sara Anne; Oliver, Ashley
    This presentation will illustrate how a microfinance project in Mexico is providing international service learning opportunities in online courses and outside the classroom. It will also demonstrate the power of academic and community partnerships in support of service learning and consider how to create meaningful learning experiences with a global perspective when travel may not be feasible. It will highlight the mentoring that takes place when a faculty member and a student work together to prepare grant proposals, participate in community events, give presentations and navigate cultural and language barriers to effectively advocate for a cause that they are both passionate about.
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    Is democracy a logical concomitant of microfinance? : a theoretical review of the microfinance argument
    (2015-07-08) Lin, Pei-Shi; Bandele, Ramla M.; Ferguson, Margaret R.; Frieson, Amanda J.
    This thesis makes a theoretical review of the microfinance argument, which claims that microfinance would be accompanied with democratization or consolidation of democracy. This thesis firstly analyzes the theory of modern microfinance, especially its propensity of converting borrowers into modern citizens. Secondly, this thesis analyzes five major theories supporting the microfinance argument: (a) modernization and economic development, (b) economic fairness, (c) gender justice, (d) social capital, and (e) civil society. In addition, this thesis reviews critical perspectives of these five theories and makes a general discussion. Finally, this thesis concludes the reasonableness and limitation of the microfinance argument.