Page 17 - Microfinance Fieldwork Undertaken on Behalf of Hands with Hands

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17
Yallingup, Western Australia
Email:
viti@bearfruit.com.au
Website:
http://www.bearfruit.com.au
Evident in this small study is the average family size is 3. That could be because 7 of the 9 are in
their 20s and 30s. However, what was interesting is that Participant (3), when asked how many
children she had her response highlighted a cultural aspect linked to microfinance. She has 4
children, but receives, ‘Pressure from her extended family to have more children (village life 7 –
10 [children]) but she has decided not to. She has been to health clinic for family planning
services.’
As one of the older members of this small study one could draw the conclusion that this decision
maybe age related. However, observing the woman and her surrounds I would draw the
conclusion that meeting this woman she has gained a self-awareness and confidence through her
business enterprises and involvement as a SNUsacc board member.
What became evident through my fieldwork and observations was that in the Nepalese
microfinance context was the support from husbands. This is evident in the feedback from Section
B: 2.4 further on.
Q.7 Do your family members who also have a loan; and
Q.8 Does your husband have an income?
Partnership with my husband.
Extended family loans.
Husband supports two wives’ who live and operate separate businesses in different
villages.
Yes husband has an income from dugwell (is the manufacture of cement products to
build water wells) business.
Husband set up the 2
nd
wife in small home on corner block of land.
Husband is the butcher.
Work in partnership and husband does the bicycle repairs.
Wife supports husband to run shop.