Abstract:

In Malaysia, Islamic microfinance scheme is an important and growing financing scheme, which aspires to provide credit facilities to the needy entrepreneurs. With emerging interests in human’s ability to be agents of change, the institution of Islamic microfinance presents itself as a medium by which people can transform their lives. However, there are limited studies on the importance of women entrepreneurs, participation in Islamic microfinance schemes. This study aims to address the factors, which influence women participation in Islamic microfinance schemes, specifically by women entrepreneurs of micro-enterprises in Malaysia. Innovation Diffusion theory underpins the conceptual framework of this study. Hence this paper presents the conceptual framework of the study undertaken. The findings of this study will provide more compelling insight about the factors affecting Islamic microfinance participation by women entrepreneurs of Malaysia, which in-turn will help to sherd more light onto the efforts undertaken by Micro-finance institutions, and the Malaysian Government collectively.