THE EFFECTS OF MICROCREDIES ON WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: EXAMPLE OF GAZIANTEP

Abstract

Micro credit is used by poor women as an alternative financing instrument in both developing countries and less developed countries.There are a lot of studies have been exploring that the effects of using micro credits on women's empowerment.. The aim of the study is to investigate the impacts of micro-credit usage on women's self-confidence, social status and income in Gaziantep province of Turkey. In addition, it is to collect data regarding the age, marital status, education levels and socio-economic status of micro loan users. In addition, it is to collect data regarding the age, marital status, education levels and socio-economic status of micro loan users. The sample of the study consists of 151 women using micro credit from the Micro Finance Institution in Gaziantep, which was selected by simple random sampling method among the women using micro credit . In the research, the data was developed in a five-point Likerttype scale. The data obtained were evaluated by the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) method. Then, One-Way ANOVA (One Way Variance Test) was applied to test the hypotheses. In the research findings, regardless of education and marital status at all ages, it was observed that microcredit application had a positive effect on the increase of selfconfidence and self-esteem, but did not change in social status and economic situation