The Role of Microfinance in Addressing Intimate Partner Violence: The Impact of Financial Independence, Access, and Education
Cahyaning Budi Utami, Faiqul Hazmi, Munasir

Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama Jepara
Chang^an University

Abstract

Women are the primary microfinance client while microfinance serves as a vital mechanism for enhancing women^s financial independence and potentially reducing intimate partner violence (IPV). This study examines the influence of financial independence, financial access, education, and income on the prevalence of IPV, encompassing physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. An online questionnaire was distributed to women aged over 18 who were married or previously married and had accessed microcredit from financial institutions. Out of the responses, 250 met the criteria for analysis. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess IPV as an outcome variable, defined by whether respondents had ever experienced violence in any of the four forms. The Wald test results reveal that education significantly impacts IPV prevalence, while financial access and independence do not. To address outlier data, a robust estimator was applied, confirming the significance of education as a determinant. These findings suggest that access to financial resources alone may be insufficient to alter power dynamics within intimate relationships. The study underscores the necessity of a multi-faceted approach to addressing IPV, integrating educational initiatives with financial empowerment strategies to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Keywords: microfinance, intimate partner violence, financial access

Topic: Economics