ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notion of human security from a wider and more anthropological perspective, While the concept of human security that emerged during the post-Cold War years was limited to efforts to protect the state from external military threats in order to preserve one’s national integrity. In recent years, governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in South Asia have introduced microfinance programmes offering financial services to low-income households and targeting women specifically. The primary focus of the programmes has been to administer cycles of loans and loan repayment, as repayment has been the main criterion of success of the programme. The chapter presents experiences from Magalir Thittam, one of the largest microcredit programmes for women, designed and initiated by the Tamil Nadu government to address the problem of poverty and women’s empowerment. Microfinance is the most palpable source of human security for these suburban communities, providing them with more reasons to hope for better social and economic participation.
