Huda Mohammad Hagawe Hagawe

Research student

: HagaweHM@cardiff.ac.uk

I am a last-year doctoral student in economic and finance at Cardiff Business School. With a passion for research in the field of economics, my expertise lies in examining the intersection of finance, social sciences, and business administration. Through my academic journey, I have developed a strong foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and economic theories.

My qualifications include an MSc in Social Science Research Methods (SSRM) obtained in 2020, which has equipped me with advanced skills in conducting empirical research and analysing complex data sets. Prior to that, I completed an MBA with a concentration in Finance in 2017, which provided me with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and business management principles. I also hold a BSc in Business Administration, acquired in 2013, which laid the groundwork for my understanding of core business concepts.

Throughout my academic pursuits, I have actively engaged in research projects focusing on economic development, financial inclusion, and the role of microfinance in poverty alleviation. By combining my expertise in economics, finance, and research methods, I aim to contribute to the existing knowledge in these areas and make a meaningful impact on society.

Date
Type

2023

Hagawe, H. 2023. The microfinance poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and business model: A religious perspective. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
Hagawe, H. M., Mobarek, A., Hanuk, A. and Jamal, A. 2023. A unique business model for microfinance institution: the case of Assadaqaat Community Finance (ACF). Cogent Business & Management 10(1), article number: 2135202. (10.1080/23311975.2022.2135202)

Research Interests: As a doctoral student in economic and finance at Cardiff Business School, my research interests revolve around the areas of microfinance, poverty alleviation, and women's empowerment from a religious perspective. I am particularly interested in understanding the role of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in promoting financial inclusion and improving the livelihoods of marginalised populations.

Current Projects:

The Impact of Microfinance on Poverty Alleviation: This project aims to assess the effectiveness of microfinance in reducing poverty levels and improving the socio-economic well-being of individuals and communities. It explores the mechanisms through which microfinance interventions can lead to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Women's Empowerment through Microfinance: This project focuses on examining how microfinance initiatives can empower women by providing them with access to financial resources, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing their social and economic status. It aims to explore the specific challenges and opportunities faced by women borrowers in the microfinance sector.

Thesis

The Microfinance business model- poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment: A Religious perspective

Purpose of the Thesis: The purpose of my thesis is to examine the role of microfinance in addressing poverty and empowering women, with a specific focus on the religious dimension. It seeks to explore how religious beliefs and practices influence the implementation and outcomes of microfinance initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and women's empowerment.

Summary of Research: This research investigates the intersection of microfinance, poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, and religious factors. It analyses the effectiveness of microfinance as a business model for alleviating poverty and promoting women's empowerment, taking into account the influence of religious beliefs, values, and practices on microfinance operations.

The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative research methods. It examines the experiences of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and their clients, considering the perspectives of both borrowers and lenders. The research explores the various dimensions of religiosity within the context of microfinance, including the religious motivations of MFIs, the impact of religious norms and values on client participation and repayment behavior, and the role of religious leaders in promoting or hindering women's empowerment through microfinance.

Results, Conclusions, and Recommendations: The findings of the thesis reveal the multifaceted relationship between microfinance, poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, and religious factors. The analysis demonstrates that religious beliefs and practices can significantly shape the outcomes of microfinance initiatives, influencing client behavior, social norms, and institutional practices.

Based on the results, the thesis draws several conclusions, including the importance of considering religious factors in the design and implementation of microfinance programs, the need for tailored approaches to address the specific needs and constraints of religious communities, and the potential for religious leaders to play a significant role in promoting women's empowerment through microfinance.

The thesis concludes with recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and microfinance institutions to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of microfinance interventions. These recommendations emphasise the importance of engaging religious leaders and communities, integrating religious values into program design, providing tailored financial products and services that align with religious norms, and fostering partnerships between MFIs and religious institutions.

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