‘Even Though I Get a Loan, My Husband Controls It’: Rhetoric Versus Reality of Empowering Bangladeshi Women Through Microfinance Programs

Abstract This study investigates the development intervention of microfinance programs with women borrowers in strong patriarchal communities such as rural Bangladesh. Using Rahman's framework (1999) 'public transcript' vs. 'hidden transcript', we describe how women's structural vulnerability is understood and leveraged by institutions (MFIs). The findings this paper based on data from 331 surveys 40 in-depth interviews Dumuria , a southern sub-district We found that MFIs’ providers largely conceptualized empowerment increasde financial participation, mobility household decision-making. Although MFIs present successfully contributing to women’s empowerment, gender norm(s) pervasive Bangladesh meant men controlled used most loans. also MFI's do little monitor or address issue, instead, they emphasizing high loan recovery rates evidence empowerment. Furthermore, apparent gendered division labour, restrictions, notions honour shame ensure rates. conclude obscure reality their ulterior profit-making motives rhetoric false narratives