Social Impact Assessment of Microfinance Programmes - weman

Impact on Quality of Life & Social Consciousness
• Barring a few cases, clients did not associate any change in social status, quality of
life, or greater consciousness of their rights and responsibilities towards their family
or society at large. For instance, the majority were sending their children to school
even when faced with extreme economic pressures. Similarly, cognizance levels of
health care and hygiene were not impacted significantly. Some clients mentioned that
they still opt for self-medication and help from the local dispenser until the ailment
persists for prolonged periods. Changes in lifestyle and preferences were also not
reported or observed - for instance, family planning was not practiced with many
clients having large families of 6-7 children.
• Around 7 participants said that their nutritional intake is far more varied and balanced
now that their business was functional. They mentioned that earlier on they couldn’t
afford to eat mutton or chicken even in 2 months and had staple food only. However,
now twice or three times in a week, they have mutton/meat as their food. The change
was mainly attributed to economic stability.
• Participants were also not very clear about their future plans and aspirations. The
responses could easily be categorized as ‘standard’, highlighting a stable economic
set up, education and jobs for their children.
• In case of women clients, the decision-making and family issues did not change much
with their economic reliance. Only one participant cited concrete examples as to how
her role has changed – she said that she has decided to build a house from her savings
and despite fierce resistance from her in-laws and husband, she continued with the
construction. When asked about her husband’s reaction to her assertiveness, she said
her two sons were supporting her decision who also support her in business dealings,
hence, the husband was quietened in front of his two sons.
• As far as social justice and political rights are concerned, again no decipherable
difference in the status could be seen. For example, the dowry demands and
extravagant expenses of weddings were accepted and articulated as social norms
which they could not question.
• They were very articulate about their own rights as a citizens of Pakistan and
elaborated on how different regime changes have only usurped those rights. A female
client said that she is ready to beat up any nazim or political agent that comes asking
for votes because there is never any service provided to them. And they have given up
hope on any improvement in the political or social scene in Pakistan.
Non-Borrowers’ Perspective
• The reasons for not using the facility of loans and microcredit were also explored by
talking to non-borrowers faced with similar economic and social issues. Out of 11
male and female respondents, 5 did not opt for loans purely because of religious
reasons. They cited various quranic verses and hadith to assert why they will never
engage in any interest and mark up paying activity. Of the remaining, two male
participants said that they have a joint family system so money could be borrowed
from within the family. Two female respondents (urban) stated that their involvement
in economic activities in not supported by their families (both parents and in-laws)
nor are they faced with a desperate situation. While 2 females from the rural areas
20