Support for the most vulnerable women
Since 2020, The Cornerstone Foundation has been collaborating with GIFT (Ganza Inema Fair Trade). This project brings together groups of the most vulnerable women. These women are referred through the local municipality, ensuring that precisely those in greatest need are reached. The project aims to provide them with a stable financial foundation, including microfinance, the VSLA savings and loan method we use, and entrepreneurship training and guidance in building a small business. Additionally, we offer training focused on cooperation and support within the family, for example in the relationship with their husband or partner, so that change is sustainable not only economically but also socially.
Success story
During our annual trip to Rwanda, we also visited GIFT. Among other things, we attended the meeting of the group pictured here, by the side of the road. We were introduced to the women and they were given an explanation of the reason for our visit. Two of the women spontaneously stood up to explain that the savings and loan system works very well and that they are now reaping the benefits of it.
Delphine
Delphine had been a seamstress for years, but had no money to buy fabric for her own dresses. After joining the savings and loan group and attending several training sessions, she learned how to perform cost calculations. She applied this knowledge in her small business, with astonishing results.
She is now making a profit and has earned enough money to buy school supplies for her children, put enough food on the table, and pay for health insurance. We asked her what her husband says about her. She told us that he is very proud of her.
Beata
Beata makes sorghum beer, a drink made from the grain sorghum. Her customers come to her to order the product. Her ‘Unique Selling Point’ is that she delivers the product to people’s homes, which is convenient because it is quite heavy.
This allows her to compete effectively with others on the market. She achieves a substantial margin of 40% with her service.
Support more women like Delphine and Beate?