Indian School of Microfinance for Women

The Indian School of Microfinance for Women (ISMW) started in June 2003 is an initiative in microfinance which is promoted to address the capacity building requirements in the sector. The School particularly focuses upon the lives of women who are the primary participants in microfinance interventions. Microfinance is perceived by the School not only as a means of poverty alleviation but also as a means for womens leadership and the building of womens assets. India has a rich variety of microfinance initiatives though varying models each of whom have capacity building requirements. Particularly there is an identifiable need for quality training in vernacular languages. Research is also an integral requirement to understand the trajectory of the sector and its corresponding capacity building requirements. The School is positioned to address these capacity building needs especially responding to the changing nature of the sector.