6. Why is some 75% of the clients female?

Worldwide an estimated 75% of microfinance clients is female. In many countries women have their own economic activities for which they need financial services. Experiences have shown that women, every where in the world, repay better than men. Furthermore, in general, a woman’s income benefits more the household and family than a man’s income, who spends it more often on personal things: going to a bar or taking a second wife. Finally, several organisations target only women for reasons of empowerment: micro credit is being used as an instrument for economic independence, decision making power and self confidence and self respect of women.