Based on national surveys of women entrepreneurs and micro-finance clients in Nepal (135 clients) and Pakistan (104 clients). Examines the impact of micro-finance and microenterprise development on the economic and possible social empowerment of women in the two countries, highlighting...

Analyses the creation (in 1998) and evolution of the Professional Association of Mutual Financial Institutions, describes the history of the Association including the challenges and problems it faced and continues to confront.

Suggests policy measures aimed at reaching a decent balance between labour market flexibility and employment and income security in the country.