Empowering women for economic independence is an essential priority. Women play a vital role in the well-being of their communities, providing care for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, the sick, and orphans. Regrettably, in Zambia, women often find themselves among the most economically disadvantaged and least educated members of their societies. Furthermore, entrenched gender disparities and various forms of discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, and other factors create substantial barriers to breaking free from the cycle of poverty.
A2HealthZ is deeply committed to initiatives that empower women, exemplified by our Mothers’ Clubs, microloan programs, and various economic development projects, including animal husbandry programs.
“By increasing the share of household income controlled by women, either through their own earnings or cash transfers, spending is changed in ways that benefit children.” – The World Bank
Through financial empowerment initiatives, we are helping women turn dreams into reality. Our economic empowerment initiatives include:
- Village savings and lending associations (VSLAs)
- Support and expansion of locally relevant income-generating activities
- Support to climate resilient and conservation farming practices
- Business entrepreneurship and market analysis
- Access to financial services and training
VSLAs represent one of the oldest forms of savings groups, with millions of participants worldwide, particularly in Africa. These groups are revolutionizing microfinance by delivering sustainable financial services to rural communities. The groups focus on teaching participants to save by using their own resources. The VSLA model is founded on trust, with members collaboratively shaping rules and collectively participating in cycles of saving and lending.