Title: Solving the ambiguity of microfinance and intimate partner violence: a PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis study

Authors: Insha Ahad Wani; Megha Agarwal

Addresses: Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India ' Rajdhani College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India

Abstract: For last two decades empirical debate exists whether microfinance, as an empowerment intervention, reduces violence faced by women. In an attempt to contribute to the solution of this ambiguity, we conducted a meta-analysis using forest-plot and sub-group analysis. We identified 1,659 studies in total, out of which 129 were found relevant after abstract screening. The methodological contribution of this study is the use of PRISMA. The results yield the following findings: microfinance participation by women reduces partner violence with a statistically significant combined effect size, Hedge's g of 0.22, 95% CI (0.08, 0.36). On sub-group regional analysis, statistically significant and positive association was found between microfinance intervention and reduction of IPV with acceptable heterogeneity proportions (less than 75%) in South Asian region with CI (0.01, 0.17), Hedge's g (0.12) and I2 (58.75%), and in African region with CI (0.14, 0.60), Hedge's g (0.37) and I2 (73.18%) whereas no such statistically significant association was found in Latin American region.

Keywords: microfinance; intimate partner violence; domestic violence; meta-analysis; PRISMA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCA.2023.131217

International Journal of Critical Accounting, 2023 Vol.13 No.2, pp.93 - 112

Received: 04 Jul 2022
Accepted: 12 Sep 2022
Published online: 01 Jun 2023 *