Together we grow: Communication and social capital in micro-credit for women’s empowerment in Bangladesh

Abstract

The empowerment of women is a fundamental component of global social economic development. Despite the importance of empowering women, women have long been subjugated around the world. Even though economically Bangladesh is in undeveloped Global South, the country has set a milestone through creation of a model to eradicate poverty by empowering women. In this study, we examined the effect of group dynamics in building social capital and how women could benefit by utilizing this social capital to get micro-credit. In turn, women are enabled to empower themselves and improve their lives. This is a qualitative study and data were collected based on in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The results showed that group communication and social capital are important factors for microcredit. Thus, Bangladeshi micro-credit borrowers get benefit from group bonding to get the loan and become socioeconomically empowered. In this respect, this project will extend the existing knowledge of the role of communication in women’s empowerment in Bangladesh.