Sukanya Patwardhan

Jade Global Software Pvt Ltd, India

Title: Women Empowerment in Indian slum areas by applying Amartya Sen Capability Approach : Case Study of Annapurna Pariwar - a microfinance organization

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Biography

Abstract

Annapurna Pariwar (AP) is a group of five development organizations working in Pune and Mumbai, India since 1993 covering 1000 slums, with membership of 62,717 women borrowers. Their main aim is to empower poor women in urban slums and their families through an integrated model of microfinance (micro: credit, life insurance, asset insurance, health insurance, savings, and pensions) and supporting social services. This model has emerged over time through a collaborative understanding of its borrowers' needs. 

This research seeks to understand the extent of women's empowerment and its most important aspects through AP's needs-based integrated model and was approached using Professor Amartya Sen's capability approach and framework, and list of capabilities based on Robeyns’ Capability Approach.

Ninety percent of the participants in this study experienced empowerment through their association with Annapurna Pariwar.  This research reveals that women's empowerment at AP is a cyclical process where several interdependent agency loops lead to achievements/functionings via capability expansion.  These functionings are collectively achieved by AP Borrowers, Staff and Leadership.  They feed into each other leading to an understanding of emerging needs and addressing them to further facilitate women's empowerment.  This cycle at AP has become the foundation for women’s empowerment, leading to poverty alleviation, advancing gender equality, a better quality of life for members and member families, thereby enriching their community.