Microfinance—both credit and savings—has potential to improve the well-being of poor women in developing countries. This paper explores practical ways to achieve that potential. Based on lessons from informal saving mechanisms that women already use, the paper proposes two savings services designed to address the development issues that confront women. The proposals call for safe-deposit boxes and for matched savings accounts for health care or education.
Subsequent publication: Vonderlack, R. M., & Schreiner, M. (2002). Women, microfinance, and savings: Lessons and proposals. Development in Practice, 12(5), 602–612. doi:10.1080/0961452022000017614
Project: Microfinance
Citation
Vonderlack, R. M., & Schreiner, M. (2001). Women, microfinance, and savings: Lessons and proposals (CSD Working Paper No. 01-5). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.