"The Applicability of the Grameen Model in Upper Egypt" by Zeina M. Shalaby

The Undergraduate Research Journal

Title

Grameen Method of Microfinance as a Poverty-Alleviation Tool: Short and Long-Term Effects on Women’s Empowerment in Egypt

Authors

Zeina M. Shalaby, The American University in CairoFollow

Abstract

Many people suffer from poverty globally, and economic tools used to combat it have varied from one country to another with some enacting noticeable change. The topic of micro-credit attracted attention after the Grameen Bank’s microfinance method was recognized for decreasing poverty in rural Bangladesh by granting loans to women almost exclusively. This paper explores the application of the Grameen method of microfinance in Egypt by reviewing the specific conditions surrounding women’s poverty in Egypt and the economic and social outcomes of past Grameen microfinance efforts in Egypt. While the Grameen method of microfinance successfully improved well-being indicators and economic performativity of Egyptian women, it reinforces patriarchal norms of the society instead of challenging them and does not cater to context-specific challenges that vary according to the background of Egyptian women. Further research is needed to specialize the tool for different backgrounds and to maintain the economic improvement guaranteed by the method while also challenging social norms hindering women's empowerment goals.

Document Type

Essay

Department

Economics Department

Second Advisor

Helen Rizzo

Recommended Citation

Shalaby, Zeina M. (2023) "Grameen Method of Microfinance as a Poverty-Alleviation Tool: Short and Long-Term Effects on Women’s Empowerment in Egypt," The Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 9, Article 9.
Available at: https://fount.aucegypt.edu/urje/vol9/iss1/9

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