Severe gender inequality and limited economic options leave rural women in Niger financially vulnerable. As traditional herding faces challenges, women urgently need alternative income streams to support families and fund school fees. RAIN forms Savings & Loan groups offering financial literacy, business training, and seed micro-loans. This project launches 10 new groups for 200+ women to start micro-businesses, building lasting economic independence and community resilience.
Traditional pastoral livelihoods no longer guarantee household survival, yet rural women lack access to formal banking, business training, or micro-capital. Without personal income or savings, families struggle to afford basic daily necessities, medicine, and educational expenses.
RAIN establishes self-managed Savings & Loan groups that provide financial literacy and business training, alongside micro-loan seed capital. Participating women launch and expand micro-enterprises in market trade, sewing, and small livestock. As loans are repaid, funds recirculate within the community, enabling ongoing reinvestment in family well-being.
Over 600 women across 29 savings groups currently manage nearly $100,000 in collective savings and have issued over $70,000 in small business loans. Women enterprise leaders gain financial independence, contribute directly to household stability, and fund their children's education-creating a sustainable model where economic empowerment reduces school dropout rates.
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