We believe that one of the main tenets of empowering women is helping them achieve financial independence. If a woman is able to earn, she could make better choices for herself and lessen the likelihood of falling for risky offers from potential human traffickers.
In Nepal, our My Business-My Freedom Microfinance Program (MBMF) provides microloans for mothers susceptible to human trafficking. To maximize their chances of success, they must regularly attend meetings with their women’s group, where they learn about entrepreneurship and financial literacy, as they socialize with empowered and like-minded women.
Dilmaya (47) is one of our beneficiaries. In her village, she is known to be an honest, hardworking, and conscientious individual. To sustain their lives, she and her husband farm, growing rice and wheat, as well as raising pigs and goats. These livestock are what now provide her a sustainable income, thanks to MBMF.
In the past, she always felt uncertain and anxious about her future. She wanted to do more than just their farm work, but lacked the funds to invest in more livestock. At that time, we conducted an awareness program at her village to introduce her and her fellow villagers to our empowerment opportunities. When she learned about MBMF, she immediately signed up and took her first loan of NPR 30,000 (USD 210). The money was immediately invested in goat farming.
Since Dilmaya is already experienced in taking care of goats, making money out of them was a no-brainer. She repaid the loan immediately and borrowed another NPR 60,000 (USD 420) to invest in poultry farming. Once that was a success too, she took out NPR 100,000 (USD 700) for her overall farming investment: chickens, goats, pigs, cows, and rice farming! With these ventures, she is now able to meet her household expenses, medical needs, and clothing costs without difficulty.
Reflecting on her progress, Dilmaya shared, “In the past, I had no idea what to do or where to go. But now, through these businesses, I can sustain my family. I am deeply grateful to the program for supporting me in starting my business. I also hope that the organization will continue to support us with agricultural inputs and seeds in the future.”
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Help us prevent human trafficking by empowering women through the My Business – My Freedom Microfinance Program in Nepal. Together, we can create a safer world for her and her children.
