Gender is a very significant determinant of who wins or loses as a result of economic reforms.
Highlighting some of the major findings and implications, Kerr said financial sector reforms implemented throughout the 1990s have meant that borrowers are having to meet much tougher conditions to get a bank loan. She said this situation has pushed the banking system out of reach for many women and cited Uganda where only seven per cent of women own land as an example. She explained that financial sector changes in that country resulted in banks providing services to people who owned land, have long term relationships with the banks or have at least 50 per cent of the funds needed to start a business or project. The research found that women are turning to semi-formal and informal forms of financial services. Even here, there is in problem.