FM Walsh & Associates Inc.

I was introduced to the Kiva website in a Gender and Politics class this past year.  Kiva’s purpose is to connect individuals to third world entrepreneurs through a person-to-person micro-lending experience.  As the first of its kind, Kiva partners with knowledgeable microfinance institutions in order to have access to exceptional entrepreneurs around the world.  On the Kiva website, lenders choose a specific entrepreneur to support by lending as little as $25.  Empowered by their new loan, entrepreneurs are able to either start or continue to grow their business.  Lenders are repaid as entrepreneurs succeed. 

What I found most amazing is the number of women seeking loans.  Microfinance programs have been targeted towards poor women.  This not only supports a strong message of gender equality in often male dominated societies, but it also reflects that women in these societies are a better financial risk.  Women, without income in third world countries, frequently have more to lose as they are usualy responsible for children and extended family.  Once she gets a loan, a woman’s status in her community improves and she is able to be more assertive and confident in her home and in her business.  

-Katrina