Microfinance & Empowerment Programs In Gulu

WGEF has disbursed 350 new micro loans to to support women in Omoro District who are looking up to better their lives, start and expand their business.  All women were provided intensive business skills training and provided with micro loans to help them start and expand their business. Each woman represented a household, and for each household we hope to see improvement in house hold income, the children’s school attendance and family access to quality health care services.

“I feel like I matter, with the opportunity to access credit, instead of focusing just on survival, for the first time I have a new beginning and the confidence to begin to look for ways to thrive in my life.” - Jennifer, WGEF microloan beneficiary, Omoro District.

WGEF Credit Plus participants receive a microcredit loan bundled with social and educational services, allowing them to create an opportunity for sustainability, increased food security and health and nutrition. Each loan recipient is required to attend bi-monthly meetings. These meetings will entail loan repayment and trainings on business skills, literacy, health or leadership development.  Women invest their micro loans in various self-run businesses such as bakeries, tailors and seamstress shops, grocery stores, poultry production and agriculture. These loans help women and their households become more resilient and better able to provide for their families in times of economic difficulty.

“When I received my first loan of $100 from WGEF I dedicated myself to use the opportunity to change my life and support my family better. Now all my children are going to school and I have bought 2 cows. Most important I feel less stressed now. Thank you WGEF for trusting me.” - Hellen, WGEF microloan beneficiary, Koro

Thank you for your suppot of WGEF and commitment to equality and justice!

Bukenya Muusa

Program Director

Greetings! 

One of the founding priciples of WGEF, is our commitment to amplifying women's voices thru leadership development trainings and opportunities. So in addition ot having given over 10,000 loans, creating thousands of businesses in the post conflict region of northern Uganda, we have had 11 women run for political office over the last 8 eight years. We have 22 peer couselors and Access to Justice team members making a difference, helping to navigate incredibly sensitive and challenging issues for women and families. 

At Women's Global, we're looking forward to another exciting year full of opportunities and new partnerships. Women’s Global is impacting the community by providing an opportunity for sustainable human development. Our commitment in 2017 includes:

• Provide 2,500 new loans in 2017, serving more women in vulnerable rural districts.
• Provide 1,500 women the opportunity to participate in our literacy program (4x participant increase).
• Maintain a portfolio including 30% agro loans, as local food production is the most effective and sustainable way to address food security issues.
• Ensure safe and dignified supplies to the most vulnerable through the Healthy Period Initiative (HPI), enabling a 4x greater output.
• Expand HPI into 2 new schools and serving girls under 18 in nearby refugee camps on the South Sudan border.
• Host a weekly community radio program, highlighting challenges and successes for women in the community. 
• Continue to expand outreach through Gulu Women's Resource Centre.

Gulu Women's Resource Centre is a hub of activity and advocacy, here is an example of a recent campaign to ban a dangerous alcoholic substance, creating havoc and death in Gulu District and the surrounding area. Here is an excerpt from a newspaper article (see link below): 

Cheap, Deadly Booze Killing Uganda's Future

Women's Global leaders, including the Peer Counselors & Access to Justice teams, lead an effort to mobilize their community and protect their families. Citizen advocacy is critical in creating change - be inspired! 

http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Editorial/Cheap--deadly-booze-killing-Uganda-s-future/689360-3796098-iymwal/index.html 

Thank you for your support of WGEF and commitment to equality and justice. 

Peace, 

Karen

Links:

• Newspaper Article