Improving Living Conditions and Increasing Income for Malian Women
A recent study by Global Affairs Canada has shed light on the significant impact that inclusive finance actions have had on improving living conditions and increasing income for women in Mali. Despite several decades of interventions, gains in male-female equality are still modest, and the situation of women in Mali remains worrisome.
Challenges Faced by Rural Women
The report highlights the challenges faced by rural women who are involved in grain production and farming activities but have limited access to credit, particularly in agriculture. One major obstacle is their inability to offer collateral for seasonal or equipment credit.
The Need for Financial Education and Access to Credit
To address this issue, the Nyèsigiso network has set up training workshops on financial education, management, and access to credit specifically targeting women. The network has also increased its involvement of women in banking and strengthened their individual and group businesses.
The Role of Cooperative Networks
The study notes that cooperative networks contribute directly to the financial inclusion of Malian women. In fact, the management of the Nyèsigiso network includes 22% women, demonstrating its desire to see women play an increasingly active role in society.
Canada’s Gender Equality Strategy
To further improve the situation of women, Canada has incorporated a gender equality strategy into its ongoing programming. The strategy aims to establish conditions for offering financial products that meet the needs of female agricultural entrepreneurs and to improve their access to resources, decision-making, and knowledge.
Key Findings
- Despite several decades of interventions, gains in male-female equality are still modest in Mali.
- Rural women face significant challenges accessing credit, particularly in agriculture.
- Cooperative networks contribute directly to the financial inclusion of Malian women.
- Canada’s gender equality strategy aims to improve access to resources, decision-making, and knowledge for female agricultural entrepreneurs.
Recommendations
Ensuring Equal Access to Credit and Economic Opportunities
- Develop an approach that includes marginalized population groups, such as the very poor, who are excluded from banking and the economy.
- Maintain a balance between social engagement and financial sustainability goals in inclusive finance initiatives.
- Continue to support training workshops on financial education, management, and access to credit for women.
- Increase the involvement of women in banking and strengthen their individual and group businesses.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by rural women in Mali and ensuring that they have equal access to credit and economic opportunities. By incorporating a gender equality strategy into its programming, Canada is working towards improving the living conditions and increasing the income of Malian women.