Abstract: This study sought to establish how gender dimensions affect accessibility and utilization of microfinance in Rwanda basing on Musanze District. This is because, hitherto, there is no quality information on gender and access to microfinance in Rwanda. The main objective was to generate information regarding gender-based inequalities in accessing microfinance services particularly for Musanze District, Northern part of Rwanda. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Simple random sampling was used to determine the sample size. The study used a case study design. The target population was 116 respondents who included 8 key informants. A sample size of 90 respondents was determined using Slovin’s formula. The findings of the study indicated that gender dimension had a positive significant influence on access to and utilization of microfinance services in Musanze district. Furthermore, the study revealed that Women have less human capital that is conducive for collateral security as a condition for accessing and utilization of microfinance services that would facilitate small business success. The study recommends that the Government and policy makers in charge of developing microfinance services: These should focus on re-formulating microfinance policies and packages that could lead to gender balanced access to, and utilization of microfinance services more particularly increasing the period of microfinance loans from two years to at least five or more.
Keywords: Gender, Gender dimensions, Access and Utilization of Microfinance Services.
Title: Examination of Gender Dimensions in Accessing and Utilizing Microfinance in Musanze District, Rwanda
Author: Speciose B. Mbabazi
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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