Teaching women to reach higher

Ugandan Women Empowered Through The Greater Contribution

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS—Ugandan women gather to attend an adult literacy class offered by The Greater Contribution in a structure the women built themselves. Courtesy photo

Introduction

When I think of honoring our sisters on International Women’s Day, I’m drawn to Uganda and the many trips I’ve taken to meet up with women in the small villages there.

The Greater Contribution

I’ve been to Uganda 19 times since I founded The Greater Contribution in 2006, a nonprofit that provides micro loans, education, and business skills training to help Ugandan women lift themselves out of poverty by becoming entrepreneurs.

Empowering Women in Uganda

“Isn’t that an awfully rugged trip” is the question I’m often asked. Sure, and it’s also where I’m the fortunate one who gets to connect with the women who inspire me most. Women who are turning their lives around despite dire circumstances.

The Solitary Lives of Ugandan Women

It was surprising to learn how solitary the lives of Ugandan women are. I’d been told they were regarded as “just kitchen women,” though I didn’t really know the depth of that phrase.

The Greater Contribution Program

Culturally, they are to remain at home. Many impoverished women had no friends and no contacts until they joined The Greater Contribution program.

• They tell me that now they feel like they have a new family.
• During a recent group mentoring class, when a woman shouted out “We love you for loving us,” I realized just how personal and transformative our work is.

Overcoming Challenges

However, I’ve also come to know that it’s often an uphill battle for women to enroll in our program. One woman reported that her husband demanded she stay home, saying that if she left to attend an informational meeting about it, she couldn’t return. But she did. She joined a loan group, took out a loan, built a business, and eventually went on to become a peer counselor mentoring other women. And, by the way, her husband opposed her at every step.

Inspiring Stories

Of all the women who touch my heart, the bravest are those with disabilities.

• Doreen, who doesn’t have the use of her legs or hands, is known in her village as the most cheerful. She loves to make others laugh and resists any pity for her condition. She built a business to support her family. She even decided to run for office and now serves her district as the local Councilor for Disabled People, traveling by wheelchair to attend to the needs of others. There’s just no stopping her.

Transformations and Progress

In my travels, it’s thrilling to see the transformations underway when the village women believe in themselves and what they’re capable of. I see more women wearing shoes, more children in clean clothes, babies going to doctors, fewer meals skipped, and a confidence among them that’s contagious.

The Power of Education

Our program director, Toffi, informed me that the ladies had been unable to find a vacant room in a church or school for their adult literacy classes—so, they built one. It was a remarkable moment when they proudly displayed it to me. Nothing was going to stop them on their journey toward becoming the women they were meant to be.

Gratitude and Success

After they have been a part of the program for a few years and their village is prospering, I’m showered with bags of rice, beans, and bananas, chickens, and even an occasional goat. But it was a visit to the village of Oliwiyo that left an indelible mark. A procession of ladies presented me with food items and two very special gifts: Beautiful ceramic birds nesting on pedals; a white bird for the peace that was brought to their village and a green one for the loans that brought abundance. I display them in my home office as a reminder of our outreach.

Impact and Results

As of this year at The Greater Contribution, more than 30,000 micro loans have been issued with a repayment rate of 98%. Typical incomes for women in Uganda prior to enrollment in the self-help programs are $0.35 cents per day. It’s many times greater than that after completion of the programs.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

On Fri., March 8, International Women’s Day, I am celebrating how the women we serve in Uganda inspire me. Perhaps it’s because we all share a sense of inclusion and belonging to something bigger than ourselves.

About The Author

Karon Wright of Thousand Oaks is the founder of T.O.-based The Greater Contribution nonprofit.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses issues related to poverty, education, gender equality, economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content

• SDG 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
• SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
• SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

The article highlights the importance of eradicating poverty, providing access to education, promoting gender equality, supporting entrepreneurship and job creation, reducing inequalities, and fostering partnerships for achieving sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

• Number of micro loans issued
• Repayment rate of micro loans
• Income increase for women after completing self-help programs
• Access to affordable and quality education
• Women’s participation and leadership in decision-making
• Economic growth and job creation
• Social, economic, and political inclusion of marginalized groups
• Effectiveness of partnerships for development

The article implies these indicators as measures of progress towards the targets mentioned above. It discusses the number of micro loans issued, the repayment rate of these loans, the increase in income for women after completing self-help programs, and the impact of education and entrepreneurship on poverty reduction and economic growth. It also highlights the importance of women’s participation and leadership in decision-making processes and the need for inclusive partnerships.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: theacorn.com

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