To rise from below: Twelve Bangladeshi women's paths toward independency

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During April to June 2007 we went to Bangladesh's countryside to collect material for this thesis. The study is qualitative and based on twelve individual interviews. The respondents are members of microfinance organisations or/and an organisation that works with social mobilisation. These organisations aim to increase people's quality of life and fight poverty. The purpose of this study is to examine the processes of twelve Bangladeshi women's attempts to develop from social exclusion to a more independent life. Furthermore, we aim to hear the women's opinions of how the organisations have contributed to their processes, and if they experienced any changes in their status as women in a patriarchal society. The material is analysed mainly through Amartya Sen's human development theory, Abraham Maslow's theory of human motivation, and Naila Kabeer's theory of empowerment. The outcome of the study is that the respondents' attempts, to develop from social exclusion to a more independent life, have been about increasing their knowledge and to satisfy their basic needs. A conclusion is that many of the women have ended up in debt and just a few feel that they have increased their quality of life through their participation in the microfinance organisations. The women that attended the social mobilisation program gained an ability to advocate for issues they feel are important. Through the respondents' answers...