Women’s empowerment through microfinance. Exploring Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) in Karamoja, Uganda

The Karamoja sub-region is located in north-eastern Uganda and is considered one of the poorest and least developed areas of the country. The transition from a traditional livelihood strategy based on pastoral nomadism to a stable subsistence economy centred on agriculture has led to an identity and cultural crisis among the population, particularly among men, with significant consequences on women's quality of life. Moreover, climate change challenges are hampering this transition, making adaptation increasingly difficult. Karamoja communities are mainly patriarchal, with widespread gender inequality and gender-based violence perpetuated by harmful cultural patterns, poor human rights protection, high alcohol consumption and limited economic autonomy and decision-making power for women. Men have greater employment opportunities, ownership of land and livestock, and decision-making authority over domestic and productive resources. In this context, the study aims to explore the potential of microfinance, particularly the implementation of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), to promote women's empowerment in the Karamoja region. The study examines the impact of these groups on various aspects of empowerment, including economic, social and decision-making, seeking to fill the lack of studies investigating the impact of VSLAs on participants' subjective well-being. The research is based on a review of secondary sources to identify key concepts and field research conducted in Karamoja, using a mixed approach combining participant observation, semi-structured interviews, group discussions and quantitative questionnaires. The findings of this research contribute to the existing literature on microfinance and women's empowerment, highlighting the specific context of Karamoja.