Abstract:
Purpose
– This paper aims to examine links between women's access to micro‐finance and how they use maternal healthcare services in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).
Design/methodology/approach
– The authors use theoretical and empirical literature to propose a framework to sustain and improve women's access to maternal healthcare services through micro‐financing.
Findings
– It is found that improved access to micro‐finance by women, combined with education may enhance maternal health service uptake.
Research limitations/implications
– The paper does not consider empirical data in the analysis. The authors advocate empirically testing the framework proposed in other SSA countries.
Social implications
– It is important to empower women by facilitating their access to education and micro‐finance. This has implications for improving maternal healthcare utilization in SSA.
Originality/value
– The paper moves beyond poor access to maternal health services in SSA and proposes a framework for providing sustainable solutions.