Akshay Sharma, assistant professor in the School of Architecture + Design, will present on 'laXmi,' a financial literacy education system designed for illiterate and semi-literate women who live below the poverty line and are engaged in microfinancing. The system is part of a training program for a self-help group and is based on an old traditional floor game that is part of the culture of rural India. Inability to read and write has resulted in 18 million users dropping out of the microfinancing program in the past decade; this project addresses the critical need for financial literacy education for this user group. Microfinancing has proven to be effective in bringing women together and introducing them to the concept of 'self-help.' One major NGO active in the field of microfinancing for the past two decades in India has provided valuable feedback during the process. The Indian Ministry of Women and Child Development has reviewed the proposal in detail and will be using this as part of their official training program for promotion of new self-help groups in India.

This event is part of the Fall 2012 'Women and Gender in International Development' discussion series, which gives students and professionals an opportunity to share their research and discuss issues. Students, staff, faculty, and members of the community are encouraged to attend the discussions and bring their ideas and questions. Bag lunches are permitted.
More information...

Location:	Conference Room A, International Affairs Offices (526 Prices Fork Road)
Price:	free
Sponsor:	Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED)
Contact:	Dr. Maria Elisa Christie mechristie@vt.edu (540) 231-4297
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