The study evaluates the economic and social effects of microfinance programs, analyzing income, expenditure, child education, and women’s empowerment outcomes. Based on survey data from 3,400 respondents across six major institutions, the findings suggest microfinance helps smooth consumption and modestly supports income generation. Positive impacts are observed in child school enrollment among mature borrowers, while results on women’s empowerment remain mixed and often unexpected, raising questions about the broader effectiveness of microfinance interventions.
