Microloans Create Opportunities for Indian Women

Because of your generous support, women like Suvarna are able to overcome the hardships associated with chronic poverty. With access to financial services, families no longer have to fear tomorrow. Just a small loan can give a hardworking entrepreneur the opportunity to achieve life-changing transformation. With the proper tools, our clients are able to accomplish their dreams and build secure futures. Your commitment to Opportunity has changed everything for Suvarna and the women in her community.

Meet Opportunity Loan Client, Deepa. Deepa is a jewelry maker living in Chennai, India.

Deepa comes from a marginalized gypsy community in an unhealthy living environment. Before joining Opportunity, Deepa used to collect and sell waste paper, earning less than $2 a day.She felt stuck in poverty until she heard about Opportunity International's banking services. She was able to secure her first loan of US $55 from Opportunity and purchased plastic Tiffin boxes to sell in the market, which still netted her a meager income. So she decided to take out a second loan of US $146. WIth the loan, she bought materials to create necklaces that she sold at the local market for a good price. For the first time in her life, she was able to make a sustainable living.  

The gypsy women in Deepa’s community noticed her success and asked her for her help. She taught them how to make the beautiful necklaces and gave them advice on selling them.The women became Opportunity clients too and took out loans of their own. 

Now, every Friday, the entire community gathers at the market to sell their products, working as a team. This is how just one loan can make the difference in a community. It empowers women to make a sustaibable living and teach others who are struggling in their community to do the same. Your contributions to Opportunity International have helped to lift communties out of the debiliating cycle of poverty.