International evidence has shown the tremendous entrepreneurial potential that access to finance can unleash in poor communities. With continued help, families and communities can provide their children with opportunities they themselves never had.

Poor women in particular benefit from microfinance services. Such women, often the most disadvantaged group in a society, tend to be good credit risks. Increasing women’s access to microfinance has wide-ranging benefits, not just for their well-being but also for the welfare of their families, the communities in which they live and for society at large.

However, the provision of microfinance on its own is insufficient. In some instances, such loans can become a burden due to poor management, or unsound investments. Microfinance schemes have to be complemented with adequate training so that recipients are empowered with the skills necessary to benefit from the loans.

This publication documents some of the significant lessons that can be drawn from the UNDP Entrepreneurial Skills: Empowering Women project.

This volume is the ninth in a series of periodic publications reporting on UNDP Malaysia’s work in its energy, environment and human development practice areas. The large range of projects being undertaken in this portfolio is designed particularly to support Malaysia’s efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially to eradicate poverty, promote gender equality and ensure environmental sustainability.