The role of microfinance in women empowerment: Global sustainable perspectives in the case of Vietnam

This chapter discusses a study that analyzes the impact of microfinance (MF) on women empowerment in the context of Vietnam. The analysis is based on the examination of primary data obtained from the MF organizations and women’s unions (WUs) in the Tra Vinh (TV) province in Vietnam. Most of the feminist organizations focus on underdeveloped and developing countries to promote women empowerment through MF solutions, because women in these countries are considered exposed to significant challenges regarding gender inequity. Based on the goals of poverty reduction, gender equity, and financial security, there is evidence of the existence of strong association between WUs and microfinance institutions to provide MF services and non-financial services to women through trust agreements on delegation of authority on finance services in the TV province. The research findings exposed the effect of existing MF services on economic empowerment, legal empowerment, and feminist factors.