The impact of micro finance institutions on the development of female entrepreneurship evidence from Tunisia

This study examines the impact of microfinance services on the development of female entrepreneurship in Tunisia. A quantitative research methodology was used, combining descriptive and explanatory methods. A sample of 140 clients of the microfinance institution Enda Inter-arabe was randomly selected from a target population of 250 clients. The choice of Enda Inter-arabe is explained by its position as a leader in the microfinance sector in Tunisia and its mission to promote financial inclusion and economic development for disadvantaged populations, particularly women. A questionnaire was used to collect the data, which was analyzed using SPSS software. The findings from the mean descriptive analysis suggest that the financial and non-financial services provided by the microfinance institution had no significant effect on the quality of life or business growth for disadvantaged and low-income women. However, the correlation analysis indicates a strong positive relationship between the advancement of women entrepreneurs and factors such as savings practices, access to finance, skills development, and business support. The regression results indicate that the most significant factors influencing the development of female entrepreneurship are savings and the financial services of the microfinance institution.