Microcredit plays a critical role in empowering women. Financial security earns them new found respect, independence and recognition of their essential functions in their families and communities social-economic progress. Women workers throughout the world contribute to the economic growth and sustainable livelihoods of their families and communities.
We are delighted to update you on the progress of our project. Despite many challenges they faced from droughts, insecurity and the economic downturn as a result of the prolonged electioneering period in the country, our beneficiaries have continued to make the best that they can.
In a recent survey to meet the beneficiaries of Gencad women empowerment, we spoke to Habiba from Wajir IDP camp.
Habiba is a 57-year-old widow who moved from Wajir county to Elwak because of the clan conflict. She lost her son in the process and remained with his children to look after. She is on her second loan of around Ksh.15,000 to set up and expand a retail grocery shop.
The organisation was able to lend her money by using a group lending system, in which groups of women are jointly responsible for repayments of the loan.
The loans allowed her to make her business more profitable and to spend the extra income on her children’s education and her families’ medical expenses. ”I can now take care of my grandchildren who are depending on me, for a while I thought they would not go to school.”
In her opinion, the loan provided although smaller in amount has challenged her life and those of her grandchildren considerably. She is now able to buy basics necessities of life for her family and wishes to expand her business. As the treasurer, she has become instrumental in the smooth running her group, and to her credit, she has ensured her group members are up to date on their repayments and savings.
Microcredit with women as the principal borrowers is a powerful tool in the reduction of poverty and the transformation of society.
It is because of your support we able to lend a helping hand to women like Habiba. Thank you for making that possible. With your continued support, we shall aim to reach more vulnerable women in the coming months and years.
Currently, we are competing for bonus prices on the GlobalGiving website as part of the end year campaign. If at all possible, please consider donating to our project so that we can support more women early next year. We appreciate any amount. Thank you.
On behalf of our trustees, staff and beneficiaries, please accept our seasonal greetings and a happy 2018.