This book offers a critical perspective on the issues related to women’s empowerment, microfinance, and entrepreneurship in India. Written by distinguishing experts in this field, this book highlights women’s empowerment, which is a process of entrusting power to an individual on the control over resources and decisions. However, these two factors are less effective in a society where religion and cultural dominance is high. The book sheds light on the social security measures undertaken by the government aiming to the right to work helped women who are bounded by social restrictions. Over time there is a shift in rural occupational structure towards non-farm activities, which is largely distress driven self-employment. Access to credit is a great source to provide self-employment that develops self-esteem among women and uplift their position. The book highlights the discrimination against women entrepreneurs in access to credit led to gender biased entrepreneurial society. Association with self-help groups (SHGs) has made women more socially empowered. SHG members help them to change their life in a positive manner through micro-entrepreneurial activities. The book has emphasized on the role of microfinance, which has served the poor to become financially self-reliant. It is observed that for second generation borrowers, the impact of microfinance seems to fizzle out, where MFIs who are gaining efficiency are diverting their objective of servicing poor, signalling a sign of mission drift.

"This book defines nascent entrepreneurship as the process of creating of a new business venture and provides entrepreneurs, researchers and the business world with a publication on the contribution of nascent entrepreneurship to the business world"--

Women and Microfinance in the Global South is a grounded exploration of the intersections of neoliberal ideology and feminism.

Today, there are over 200,000,000 women business owners around the world. Many of these entrepreneurs are not doing business as usual, nor are they simply leaning in. Rather, they are tapping into feminine capital—the unique skills and sensibilities that they have cultivated as women—to create enviable successes. Drawing on four decades of award-winning research, Feminine Capital reveals how women are harnessing different approaches to doing business. Barbara Orser and Catherine Elliott detail the pillars of feminine capital and offer new insight into the ways that gender can influence entrepreneurial decision-making. They find that leveraging feminine capital can help women to create distinctive brands, build new markets, and drive profits—all while leveling the playing field in business. In doing so, women are changing our social and economic landscape, one venture at a time. Dispelling myths and misperceptions that can undermine women-owned ventures, this book takes a fresh look at how female entrepreneurs can leverage their skills, knowledge, and values. Case studies of women entrepreneurs bring key concepts and lessons to life, while learning aids, diagnostic tools, and checklists help readers to construct innovative business models, refine start-up plans, and hone growth strategies.

The first feminist critique of the much-lauded microcredit process in Bangladesh.

Microfinance has passed a long journey from micro saving to micro credit and micro credit to micro insurance. The programme was started in Bangladesh with initial financing of small amount loan of US $ 27 to 42 families affected badly by famine of 1974 by Professor Mohammad Yunus of Chittagong University. This resulted in establishment of Grameen Bank, Bangladesh generally known as modern micro credit institution. This book highlights the status of Microfinance in India with special reference to Odisha. It provides the information about the different stake holders, role and responsibilities and extended support over years. It further involves capturing of information related to grassroot level organization and execution of programme at Mayurbhanj (one of the tribal dominated district of Odisha). The book analyses prevailing and emerging status of SHGs, market scenario, financial status, socio economic impact and major challenges and opportunities. Silent features of this Book are: Highlighting the status of Microfinance and its execution at National and International context. Broad information about the different stake holders and their contribution in promoting WSHGs in Odisha. Importance of SHGs in Financial Inclusion (Saving and Credit Linkage). Addressing importance and status of WSHG federations in Odisha. WSHGs in Mayurbhanj and Role of Mission Shakti in their Development. Financial Institution and Credit Support to WSHGs in Mayurbhanj Financial Performance of WSHGs in Mayurbhanj Activities Undertaken and Problems Encountered.

The Emerald Handbook of Women and Entrepreneurship in Developing Economies examines women's role in entrepreneurial practices in a range of developing countries and applies unique strategic contextual frameworks to analyse, interpret and understand individual processes, themes and issues.