Discover the impact of the Big Give Christmas Challenge.
Hi John,
It’s been one year since 392 generous supporters secured our project with Siiqqee Women’s Development Association in the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Today I’d like to share an update on the incredible impact of their donations.
Thanks to a project funded through the Big Give in 2017, Siiqqee had been bringing women together in rural Ethiopia to save and generate income. Last year’s project sought to transform these informal groups into cooperatives that could sustain women and their families for longer into the future.
I am delighted to share that the women-led cooperatives are going from strength to strength. Here are some of their recent highlights:
Three cooperatives are now engaged in agriculture, spice production and oxen breeding, and are supporting approx. 600 people
235 women attended basic business skills training on how to effectively manage cooperative activities
233 women attended leadership training to boost their confidence for negotiation and claiming their rights as business owners in the community
25 local government officials attended a meeting and pledged their support to the cooperatives. Since this meeting, the local government have facilitated one cooperative to expand their building enabling more women to join.
An information session was held for members’ partners to learn what involvement in a cooperative could mean for household income. 80 men attended and pledged to support their partner's involvement.
Each of the three cooperatives is thriving. Profits are being reinvested to safeguard the cooperative for many years to come. Members can also draw personal loans meaning women have a financial safety blanket to cover them during times of illness, pregnancy, or their partner's unemployment.
Derebush (pictured above) is just one woman whose life has been transformed by Siiqqee bringing women together. She lives in Nekemte, Ethiopia and is a lone parent to her two children.
“Before I joined Siiqqee, I had no concept of saving. What I earnt that day, I spent that day. If I was sick, I wouldn’t make any money and I would starve. My children would starve. This was the desperate situation I lived in.”
“Siiqqee is a source of enlightenment. It enlightened us and opened our eyes to many things: to save, to clearly see gender roles and to fight to restore the gender balance."
Women who haven’t joined are in a different situation. They’re not able to fight for their rights, they don’t save, they have no economic rights… I wish that all women can change their lives."
Thanks to the support we received during the Big Give Christmas Challenge these three women-led cooperatives have funds to operate until March 2024 and beyond. This will enable countless more women and their families to feel the benefits of earning an independent income.
Thank you for making this project possible.
With solidarity,
Hannah Little
Supporter Care Team Womankind Worldwide
Image caption: Derebush pictured at the Siiqqee office in Nekemte, Oromia Region, Western Ethiopia.
Big Give 2021 - launches next Tuesday!
This year we want to transform the lives of 25 marginalised young women through professional training, life skills, and full-time job placements with partners CAWEE.
Don’t miss the opportunity to double your donation through match-funding from midday 30th November.
