• Mr. Ashok Kumar
• Dr. Muktesh Pillai

Purpose –Microfinance provides finance to women and helps them to start new businesses and expand their existing ones. It helps in easing women’s economic problems, creating self-employment opportunities, and developing businesses for women entrepreneurs.The present study is an attempt to assess the impact of microfinance on the social status of women entrepreneurs with special reference to the Bhopal division. Methodology–Simple random sampling was used to select the sample from women entrepreneurs of the Bhopal division who have availed of microfinance facilities. A total of 525 questionnaires were distributed among randomly selected women entrepreneurs of the Bhopal division, out of which 512 questionnaires were considered fit for final analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to collect data and the data so obtained was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. • Findings – Based on Age, a significant difference was found in the opinions of sample women entrepreneurs about the impact of microfinance on their social recognition. The mean score of women belonging to the 21-30 years of age group was found to be the highest and it showed the lowest score for women in the 41-50 years of age group because of efficiency, speed , accuracy and creativity in younger age than older ones. • Based on Marital Status, a significant difference was found in the opinions of sample women entrepreneurs about the impact of microfinance on their social recognition. The mean score of unmarried women was found to be the highest because of No Family barrier for taking own decision. • Based on Educational Qualification, a significant difference was found in the opinions of sample women entrepreneurs about the impact of microfinance on their social recognition. The mean score of women securing higher secondary was found to be the highest and it showed the lowest score for women having high school degrees because of basic education is require to run a business. Research limitations/implications – The study is confined to women entrepreneurs of theBhopal divisionwho have availed of microfinance facilities. MFIowners and policymakers can also be investigated to get a deep insight into the given problem. Originality/value – This article is an analytical update on the impact of microfinance on the social status of women entrepreneurs in the light of their opinions and can be a valuable resource for policymakers, MFIs as well as researchers.

social status, microfinance, MFIs, women entrepreneurs Paper type-Research paper

" Impact of Micro Finance on the Social Status of Women: A Study of Women Entrepreneurs of Bhopal Division ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 10, page no.g331-g340, October-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2310538.pdf

" Impact of Micro Finance on the Social Status of Women: A Study of Women Entrepreneurs of Bhopal Division ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 10, page no. ppg331-g340, October-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2310538.pdf