A special session unveiling the findings of a landmark study conducted by the WEDI Team, with support from MISFA, to explore how Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Afghanistan could better serve women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and underserved areas in January 2018.
The study focused on developing Sharia-compliant, women-focused microfinance products and customized group lending models tailored to Afghanistan’s cultural, social, and religious landscape. Despite the high demand, access to finance remains a major challenge for women in the country. This initiative aimed to reverse that trend.
Key Highlights:
- Launch of New Microfinance Products: Based on extensive field research among 330 women across four provinces, designed specifically to meet the needs of women-led MSMEs.
- Pilot Program Announcement: Introduction of a tailored pilot in Kabul, Balkh, and Parwan with four MISFA partner MFIs, including new women-only branch offices and trained staff.
- Group Lending Innovation: Smaller, culturally adapted groups (3–5 in urban, 5–10 in rural areas) to increase women’s participation and reduce loan default risk.
- Sharia-Compliant Financial Solutions: Products that respect local values and provide financial autonomy to women, including direct access to funds rather than intermediary purchases.
- Capacity Building & Training Plans: Technical support for MFIs to increase operational quality and sustainability.
Objectives:
- Share actionable findings and recommendations with policymakers, donors, and financial sector actors.
- Promote partnerships to strengthen women’s access to financial services.
- Set the foundation for scaling up inclusive microfinance models that are both financially viable and socially transformative.
