Long-Term Effect of Microfinance Services on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Yemen

The study aimed to investigate the long-term effect of microfinance services on women’s economic empowerment in Yemen. Studies have investigated the short-term effect of microfinance services on women’s economic empowerment but have ignored the long-term effect. A qualitative approach was adopted using multiple case studies. The case studies used formal interviews and informal visits to collect data from women entrepreneurs as primary respondents to the study interviews. Data were collected from 18 women entrepreneurs 5 years after receiving their first loan and establishing their micro-sized businesses. Yemeni female entrepreneurs are usually denied owning their businesses, experience violence from partners and family members, are prone to business confiscation by their family members and relatives, and are denied decision-making on their own personal or business issues. The results of this research will help expose the problems faced by related stakeholders in addressing these challenges and finding solutions. This will encourage female entrepreneurs to play a critical role in contributing to the country’s economy.