Access to microfinance services can end the marginalization of the poor and include them in mainstream society, encourage responsibility and promote economic activity. Moreover, access to financial services has a particularly strong catalytic effect when these services are targeted toward women. Thanks to their own efforts and the availability of financial services geared to their needs, it is estimated that by 2007, 100 million of the world’s poorest families were able to improve their lives. 2 And there are the less tangible but no less revolutionary personal gains arising from microfinance: increased self- confidence, pride, respect and independence, as well as reduced.
