During Women’s Business Week (held in March to coincide with International Women’s Day) the Australian Businesswomen’s Network raised funds to support entrepreneurs in developing countries. Members contributed donations through a silent auction and a series of business webinars. Here are the women who we are currently supporting through these donations. I share their stories here to demonstrate the parallel between business owners in all countries. Our circumstances may differ (immensely) but our spirit and our goals are often similar. Education, inspiration and networking and connections are the common elements to our success regardless of our location.
Chea Yarn Nheb, 57, is a widowed woman who runs a business on her own as a food (green papaya and some other types of vegetable mixed together) and soy-milk seller living in the Battambong province; she typically makes US$6 every day and is aided by her daughter who works in a garment factory with an income of US$3 per day. Nheb wants to operate another business for her family members to generate more income to cover her family’s expenses and to save more income to repair her house. That is why she has approached CREDIT with a request for a loan. Nheb is asking for a loan of US$1,000 to purchase clothes, a purchase that she sees as a good opportunity to resell them at a fairly profitable price to increase her income.
Sra. Leticia is married to Sr. José Ramón, who is a pensioner. They have a grocery store called “Abarrotes Leticia” (Leticia’s Groceries), which has been in operation for one year. They are a close family. Their daughter Yesenia works in an office as a data entry operator. Sra. Leticia’s income goes toward the family expenses. Her loan will be used to buy merchandise for her family business, which will increase her earnings.
Doña Rosario Tzoc is 28 years old and lives with her husband and children. She is a merchant who sells traditional clothing. She and her husband work in the same shop with their two employees. For the past 8 years, they have been operating their business from home in Paraje Xolcaja in the Poxlajuj sector of Totonicapán District, Guatemala. Now that customer demand has increased, they are not in a financial position to increase their capital. For this reason, they have approached Asociación ASDIR to request a loan. They intend to buy raw materials needed to increase their sales. Doña Rosario hopes that her family will get ahead and have better living conditions.
Mrs. Maria de la Luz lives with her husband, Mr. Adrian Villrreal, who is on pension. Mrs. Maria has her own business called “Abarrotes Imax”, which she established a year ago. This business is turning a profit, and she already has her own regular customers. The family is seeking a loan for investment in the purchase of additional merchandise in order to continue meeting the needs of their customers.
Kémé Diaw, age 39, is married and has 6 children to support. She sells refreshments, and also sheets and curtains at home. Her income enables her to pay electricity bills and to increase her working capital, in order to better provide for her family. You can make a donation at kiva.org. The Australian Businesswomen’s Network community initiatives have raised over $40,000 in donations to support women around the world.
