Microfinance: The Answer to Poverty Eradication and Women’s Empowerment?

Ms KC Ranjani, India Director, Opportunity International Australia

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Hosted by: AIIA Victoria

The event will start on: Thursday, 08 March 2012 5:30 PM

And will end on: Thursday, 08 March 2012 7:00 PM

At Dyason House

124 Jolimont Road East , Melbourne Victoria

03 9654 7271     events.vic@aiia.asn.au

Posted by: vic   

Presentation to commence at 5.50pm.      

Over the last forty years, microfinance has been a growing movement in international development.  Primarily focused on women in low-income countries, it offers a ‘hand up’ rather than a ‘hand out’, and has contributed to sustainable long-term economic growth.  With credit, savings, insurance and fund transfer products now available to the very poor, microfinance has helped women, particularly, grow small businesses and earn an income, enabling them to provide better nutrition, healthcare and education for their families.  The United Nations declared 2005 the International Year of Microcredit, while in the following year, microfinance pioneer, Muhammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Microfinance has not been without its critics and drawbacks: inadequate regulation, over-indebtedness and high interest rates have been the subject of some controversy.  As a result, microfinance providers have often sought to distinguish themselves from large commercial providers, by making paramount the need to assist the poor to develop small viable businesses.

This International Women’s Day event is an opportunity to hear KC Ranjani, a banking and development specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the field, speak on the role of microfinance in India and how it empowers women in need.  Ms Ranjani is the Indian director of social microfinance for Opportunity International Australia and has been a board member of a number of leading microfinance institutions in India.  Based in New Delhi, she holds a Master of Bank Management, and is recognised as a leading female social entrepreneur and advocate for the poor.

Event flyer:  icon AIIAV-2012-Ranjani-KC-Ms-08.03.12 (142.29 kB)

Refreshments will be served.

Pre-payment welcomed, or payment at the door:

  • AIIA members $20
  • Non-members $30
  • Student AIIA members $10
  • Student non-members $15

If you plan to attend this function, please advise us at least 1 day before the event.