Gender empowerment in microfinance

In this paper we argue that the promotion of women in microfinance initiatives and the bias against men is taking place in the absence of solid empirical evidence on the effects of this approach in the balance of powers in households and on the health, education and well-being of all household members. We hold these to be key aspects of development. We further argue that this issue deserves further empirical attention given the possibility of unforeseen outcomes that run counter to the goal to encourage microfinance to promote women empowerment and economic development