Hivos

Hivos is a non-governmental organisation, rooted in the Netherlands and guided by humanist values, that wants to contribute to a free, fair and sustainable world where citizens, women and men, have equal access to resources, opportunities and markets and can participate actively and equally in decision-making processes that determine their lives, their society and their future.

Economic self-reliance can best be achieved by securing a decent income via the market. Unfortunately, the market is imperfect, and it does not eliminate unequal starting positions. A major constraint for small-scale producers in developing countries is their inadequate access to the market, to financial services and to information. Hivos supports microfinance because it increases the potential for economic self-reliance and contributes to poverty reduction.

Hivos' basic commitment is to low-income groups, and people who have currently no or limited access to financial services. Given their disadvantaged position, special attention is paid to appropriate financial services for women.

More information about Hivos:

• www.hivos.nl
•  Company profile