Background:
Microfinance Institutions (MFI) are often subject to misunderstanding from the public, suspicion from local politicians and destructive and ill-informed rumors from competing MFIs. Indeed, during the March 2006 “crisis” in Andhra Pradesh, MFIs were the object of some very negative articles in the press (mostly regarding allegations of hidden charges and usurious interest rates), and several struggled to restart operations and rebuild standing in the communities in which they work. Given this context, it is critical to understand the reputation of MFIs among various stakeholders, to which extent this reputation is negative and why these reputations are formed. It is also critical that MFIs improve transparency, streamline their operations and develop their communications skills to develop a sound reputation and protect themselves against defamation and misinformation.
Objectives: Based on a study conducted by CMF in the state on Orissa, CMF designed a toolkit on communications strategy for MFIs. The objective of the course is, using this toolkit, to present several recommendations and strategies for how MFIs might improve their communications strategy, work together on issues of mutual interest, and better navigate the external world in which they operate.
Target audience: NGOs, MFIs, Banks and anyone planning to start an NGO or an MFI
Date: May 2008 [3 Days]
Venue: IFMR Chennai
Fee:
Course Co-ordinator: Prof. Aparna and Prof. Ushavalli Somasundaram
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