Findings from a Systematic Review on Microfinance Interventions and Violence Against Women

Economic empowerment, including through microfinance, is a longstanding strategy to improve women’s health and safety. Past impact reviews have identified mixed and conflicting results on the effects of women’s economic empowerment programmes on violence against women and girls (VAWG), with many recommending the inclusion of gender transformative programming to complement economic interventions. Recent reviews have also examined diverse economic approaches (i.e. livelihood programmes, microfinance, and cash transfers), contributing to mixed findings.

This webinar will present findings from a new systematic review examining the impact of microfinance programming on VAWG in low- and middle-income countries, drawing on evaluation research conducted between 2015-2023. The review was conducted as part of the What Works to Prevent Violence: Impact at Scale (What Works II) portfolio.

The event will explore the review’s findings, discuss its methodological approach to assessing impact, and unpack implications for future research and practice. Speakers will include members of the cross-national study team and What Works II leadership, followed by invited reflections.

This webinar is hosted by the Global Women’s Institute (GWI) and Johns Hopkins University's Center for Global Women's Health and Gender Equity as part of the What Works II Research and Evaluation Consortium.

Registration is required.

Speakers

• Members of the cross-national study team (Johns Hopkins University)

• What Works II leadership