Women's Empowerment in Nigeria

AMURT Nigeria  created the women’s empowerment program because there were women, primarily widows, that did not have the money for the medication they needed for their children.  To launch the program, they identify 15-20 women who they believe can successfully start and run a business.  They draw lots and start with 10 of the women.  There are two stipulations - in the 3rd month they have to pay back 10% of the loan, and they must attend a women's circle to discuss their work and receive some education.   They use the 10% to fund the 11th woman until all the women receive their loan.  After all the women are funded and the loans repaid, they start a new cohort.  Thus far, the peer pressure appears to work to ensure that the payback rate is 100%. With this model, once the project is seeded, it is completely sustainable.    

We need $1000 to get the program rolling in the community so I am hoping to raise $4000 so that they can implement the program in five communities where it is not currently operating.

AMURT Nigeria (www.AMURTNigeria.org) provides primary care in remote villages in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.  They also address access to clean water, health education, teen pregnancy, as well as women’s empowerment.  They are directly affecting the 15 or 20 women who receive loans but an incalculable number because they serve as examples to other women observing their success.  I did ask what they will do once all the widow are served, and they assured me that they will never run out of widows.