Empowering Resource Poor Women Through Micro-loan.

Elwak Women are determined to succeed despite the many challenges.

For three years now, we have supported women in Mandera County work their way out of poverty. Through this project, 75 women have received micro-loan (5 women as a concept test and 70 as a pilot project).

For the pilot project, despite the many seasonal challenges (droughts & floods), many of them have worked extremely hard to keep up with loan repayment and savings. Out Ksh 1,050,000 (£8267 at the current rate), the women have repaid 62% of the total amount. When we break down this figure, 40% of the women have repaid in full, 50% of them have repaid more than half the amount, and 75% of them have repaid 50% or more of the amount lent. We are confident the remaining women will meet their commitment now that the region has received adequate rains. We hope to complete this project by December this year. During a recent field visit, our monitoring team spoke with one of the beneficiaries, Hawa a member of Dana Women Group.

Hawa's story

Hawa is a 54-year-old mother of 8 from Elwak Dana area. She is married to an elderly man. Hawa has four daughters and four sons. Two of her daughters were married off early, and two are still in school, a local public secondary and primary schools. Hawa's main economic activities include selling Somali hut materials and part-time milk vendor. She is the only breadwinner of her family, which makes it hard for her to maintain everything financially.

Before she joined GENCAD's micro-loan beneficiary group, Hawa was having a hard time managing her family financially. Despite the challenges she faced, Hawa did everything she could to provide for her family. Upon receiving GENCAD's loan of Ksh 15,000, she invested in her small business. After she completed her first loan, she received a further loan of Ksh 15,000. Hawa continues to repay her loan as well as save in the group's account. 

As a result of the loan provided, Hawa has managed to pay her children’s school fees termly using her savings. Over the past year, Hawa built her first permanent room at her residence in Bula Dana. This was made possible with your support. Thank you.

"I have improved myself financially since I joined GENCAD's micro-loan project four years ago. I continue to repay my second micro-loan to GENCAD and also save money in our women group account monthly. Much appreciation to GENCAD team for their support."

However, women like Hawa continue to face many challenges which include illiteracy, lack of opportunities and limited social services which hinder their progress. With your kind support, women like Hawa will continue to receiving our helping hand to ensure their improve their lives and the lives of their families.