Comments on: What if microfinance really does work?

By: Ashley

Ashley — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:22:45 +0000

I really value this, but I want to add a few things. The situation is complex. On the ground, the women’s stories are empowering. The macro level is what worries me. I am investigating a microfinance institution in India right now. It worries me that major international funders draw large profits away from the poor and the country itself. They are getting richer from this vast market while the women gain incrementally and the country gains little. These women still lack fundamental skills, clean water, infrastructure. Now that they can buy vegetables to sell, they are empowered in some ways, but they would rather earn a steady wage at a factory, and such a factory could contribute to the education of the workforce and the increase in India’s GDP. Organizations like Kiva should continue the good work they’re doing; it is heartening that they have reached so many lives while operating a nonprofit model. Critics are important to draw awareness and particularly to impose checks and balances on a yet largely unregulated industry. Mainstream business sees the poor as a vast, untapped, virtually unlimited market. This has benefits and drawbacks and it is our, and our friendly post-graduates’ jobs to hold them accountable.

By: Sloane

Sloane — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:37:55 +0000

Totally agree. Right on Suzy!

By: premal shah

premal shah — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:54:34 +0000

awesome post suzy!

By: Charity

Charity — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:58:22 +0000

Thank you.

By: Drew Loizeaux

Drew Loizeaux — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:48:07 +0000

Right on Suzy!

By: Jen

Jen — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:07:57 +0000

Suzy, great post. You write very nicely, creating a picture in the heads of the readers. Because I have been there and know what picture is an accurate picture of Ayacucho, I can confidently say that you are perfectly describing Ayacucho and the women of FINCA. Can’t wait to read the rest (and start my own blog like you suggested!)

By: Kieran Ball

Kieran Ball — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:22:29 +0000

I love this blog. It’s so on the money. I’m sick of hearing the exact discussion you describe in coffee shops around Asia.

EXCELLENT closing.

By: Jessica Ransom

Jessica Ransom — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:27:47 +0000

This is so inspirational Suzy! I seriously have goosebumps. Thanks for doing what you’re doing!

By: Chris Ball: Microfinance in Ayacucho | Full-Linux.com

Chris Ball: Microfinance in Ayacucho | Full-Linux.com — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:03:46 +0000

[...] What if microfinance really does work? [...]

By: Microfinance in Ayacucho

Microfinance in Ayacucho — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:02:33 +0000

[...] What if microfinance really does work? [...]

By: Unilove

Unilove — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:49:25 +0000

Wow, Suzy, thank you for that post! Your conviction and honesty shines in this post, loud and clear. Your post gave me goosebumps and I was touched and encouraged. I write on KivaFriends.org: The more we learn, the more we lend! Thank you for letting us know we are doing good…

Unilove aka Lisa