The Grameen Bank

The Grameen Bank is a microfinance institution in Bangladesh that provides small loans, called microcredit, to impoverished individuals—primarily rural women—who lack access to traditional banking. Its goal is to promote financial independence by enabling poor people to start or expand small businesses. The bank emphasizes social development, repayment through community support, and empowering marginalized groups. Founded by Muhammad Yunus in 1983, Grameen Bank has shown that extending financial services to the underserved can improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and foster community wellbeing.