Business Women Share How They Are Thriving
This International Women’s Day, we are delighted to introduce six women clients from some of the communities where VisionFund provides microfinance and other financial services. Life may not have been easy on them but they’re determined to do well to take care of their families; they keep motivated and they will not take no for an answer. We’re inspired by their determination and are sure you will be too!
The Businesswoman (Myanmar)
Zin Mar didn’t have the opportunity to complete her education, but that’s probably what motivates her to try her hand at any business opportunity that will help keep her two daughters in school. From selling meals outside of her house to running a grocery store, to weaving fans and keeping pigs to supporting her husband’s fishing business. “I am ready to support my children with whatever they want to pursue in future,” she says.
Photo by Hlawm Bo Bo
More than A Pretty Face (Dominican Republic)
Danilda lives in the slums of northern Santo Domingo and was only 18 when her father was killed and she suddenly inherited his upholstery business. “One week after my father’s death, there was work to do, orders to deliver. I remember people telling me that I should be home helping with chores. But thankfully I did not listen. I kept working and learning. Women can be practical and resourceful besides being pretty.”
Photo by Claudia Martinez
Breaking Dependency (Tanzania)
Ever since Mariamu’s husband fell sick, she has been taking care of my husband and children, farming and running a shop, all by herself. She is especially proud of turning their two-bedroom house into a four-bedroom one. “I advise my fellow women not to depend on men but always learn to be self-reliant,” she says.
Photo by Jessica Biseko
The Snack Business (Sri Lanka)
Crunchy goodies being readied to be fried at a little village 120 km away from Sri Lanka͛’s city capital. The business provides employment to seventeen, fourteen of whom are young women. It has been eleven years since the business-owner Kemali and her husband first experimented with a recipe. These days they are proud to be a supplier to one of the country’s leading snack distributors, through which the products that they make reach people all around the country.
Photo by Sean Stephen
The Savings Group Leader (Ghana)
Veronica leads a savings group of 24 women in the Karachi East district of Ghana. Support from the savings group and microfinance loans from VisionFund helped her expand her grocery shop, and helped the women from her group in various ways. Veronica plans to venture into other small businesses and employ young women in her community to help manage them.
Photo by Raphael Ayitey
The Diamond Maker (Philippines)
Lory weaves strips of bamboo to craft wall-panelling used in most native Filipino houses. The design is called ‘diamond’ due to its recurring pattern. Sixty half-inch strips go into forming one four by eight foot panel. “I work hard and I’m happy to see something beautiful in return” says Lory.
Photo by Orlando Ducay