Microfinance Services and Women Empowerment in DR Congo

The General objective is to analyze the contribution of microfinance in women empowerment in North Province of DR Congo. The study findings are useful for other researchers, DRC Government (at National, Provincial and local community levels) to know the standing point of microfinance institutions and women empowerment. The research instruments used were questionnaires administrated to 87 respondents (86 clients and 1 Staff Manager). The services provided by CECAFEP to its women members include credit, savings, education services and money transfer. CECAFEP gives credit to women members (individual and solidarity groups) which allow them to invest in their different activities, most of them investing in agriculture and livestock. At maturity, both men and women have reimbursed 100% of the amount of credit received from CECAFEP. So, CECAFEP has a positive impact on the life conditions of its women members. From the findings, the researcher recommended that MFI should continue to assist women for their empowerment and increase the amount of credit given to individual members.