Empowering Resource Poor Women Through Micro-loan.

Dear friends,

In our last report, we mentioned that 60 women received much needed capital to start or expand their small business. The women formed a savings group registered with the local department of social services and each woman received £150 as a starting capital. We are extremely happy to report that all the women who have received the money are now actively running their business. 

Let me share with you a case study of one of our beneficiary, Habiba a widow and a mother of three children. She is a resident of Al-Uteibi village in Elwak Town. She lives with her three children in a small hut.

Habiba’s life changed drastically after the death of her husband, both socially and economically because he was the bread winner. She received support from her immediate family members with food and other essentials. However, due to widespread poverty amongst her immediate families, they could not provide her with financial resources required to start a sustainable livelihood activities. She stayed at home and looked after her young children.  Luckily on the recommendation of her village elders, she was selected as a beneficiary from this project... She was very eager to start and rented a small kiosk in town. She took her six years old son with her while the rest went to school. Although the money she was lent wasn’t a large sum, she has shown the necessary determination to make it a success. She is up to date with her repayment and savings as agreed.

Habiba is over excited and feeling very happy that she was able to start something to support her and the children. She stated

‘’I was thinking of removing my daughters out of school before I received support from GENCAD.  I can now think of my children’s future and give them the education they deserve.  I will also go for further studies with my secondary school certificate’’

This was made possible by your generous donations. Thank you.

Just like Habitat, the rest of the 60 women on the project are equally working hard to grow their business and repay their loans as agreed. With your support and we can achieve much more than this for the many women who are struggling to become economically active.

Zakiya Dahir