Women's Issues: Small loan scheme help Chinese female entrepreneurs

Small loans have proven effective in helping Chinese women shake off poverty. That is the claim made by an unnamed source at a recent meeting in China, aimed at promoting the economic status of Chinese women.

A small loans service has been initiated in 28 Chinese provinces autonomous regions and municipalities to help female entrepreneurs start up new ventures.

The Shanghai Daily reports examples of the sort of aid provided under the scheme. In China's Anhui Province, $310 million has been awarded to 2.6 million in the last ten years and in Chifeng City, 99.97 percent of loans have been paid back upon maturity.