The Promise of Microfinance and Women’s Empowerment: What Does the Evidence Say? Dina Pomeranz, February 2014, Paper. “The microfinance revolution has transformed access to financial services for low-income populations worldwide. As a result, it has become one of the most talked-about innovations in global development in recent decades. However, its expansion has not been without controversy. While many hailed it as a way to end world poverty and promote female empowerment, others condemned it as a disaster for the poor…” Link