This blog post was written by our Creative Communications & Events Officer, Megan Henderson.
Many of our female members face serious adversity. They have many obstacles: societal pressures, gender stereotypes, lack of education, inaccessible financial services, childhood marriage, domestic abuse, female genetal mutilation (FGM) and so much more. In all eight countries we work in men are more likely to make it to secondary school. In almost every country we work in less than 50% of women have an account with a bank or mobile money service provider.
But there is hope for change. Time and time again we find that empowered women are leaders in their homes and their communities. Our female members strive to create a better future. We’d like to introduce you to several strong women in our programmes who are paving the way forwards - they are building businesses which support their families and communities.
Winifreda in Tanzania.
Meet Winifreda: "I have hope for the future."
Winifreda knew she was a talented seamstress - but she wasn’t sure how best to use her talents. A Five Talents Savings Group began at her local church and she decided to join so she had a safe place to put the small amounts she was earning. With a little training and support from her Group Winifreda became a shrewd business woman and found her niche - she crafted beautiful, colourful bed sheets! Soon, Winifreda had to make a new plan to meet the growing demand for her sheets. With help from her local trainer she made a budget and savings plan so she could soon take a loan to buy a few more sewing machines and employ other members in her community.
Rebecca in Uganda.
Meet Rebecca: “I am still learning and saving."
Rebecca has been selling clothes in the market for one year and spends most of her profits on school fees for her six children. She finds that her business can be very profitable, but there are many challenges she is still working to overcome. Rebecca noticed that clothes don’t always sell well. With our business training she was able to identify another item to sell at her stall too: sugar! With business training and access to a safe place to save Rebecca hopes one day she can walk away from her market stall and build a bookshop instead.
Edith in Kenya.
Meet Edith: "I am the breadwinner in my home."
Edith supports 10 children and is the third wife to her husband. Before joining our programme, Edith states that life was hard; her husband did not support her financially, and she struggled to provide for herself and their children. After joining our Savings Group Edith had a bright business idea. Her village is not served by a main road, but Edith thought there could be enough footfall to set up a resting-stop. Through support from her Group, she borrowed a loan to set up her business. Today Edith serves tea & chapati and sells beans & maize (basic household staples) to local villagers and those passing through. Her ‘hotel’ as she calls it, has brought new revenue to the community as now passers-by have reason to stop in the village; to buy various goods from her, and now also her neighbours.
Winifreda, Rebecca and Edith inspire other women in their communities to succeed too. Five Talents is empowering women by offering training and financial services which are inaccessible elsewhere, but even more importantly we provide women with the support and community they need to thrive.