ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SACCO

Women Call centre Uganda Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) play a crucial and multifaceted role in empowering women, especially in developing countries where they often face significant barriers to accessing formal financial services 1. Financial Inclusion and Access to Capital This is the most direct and impactful role of SACCOs. They address the primary challenges women face with traditional banks: Bridging the collateral gap: Women often lack collateral, such as land or property, which is a common requirement for bank loans. SACCOs provide a solution by offering group-based loans or lending based on a member's savings history and social capital within the co-operative, rather than traditional collateral. Encouraging a savings culture: SACCOs provide a safe and accessible place for women to save their money, no matter how small the amount. Regular saving is often a requirement for accessing loans, which instills a discipline of financial management. Providing affordable credit: SACCOs offer loans at lower interest rates and with more flexible repayment terms compared to predatory informal lenders. This allows women to start or expand small businesses, invest in agriculture, or meet urgent household needs like school fees or medical expenses without falling into debt traps. 2. Economic Empowerment Beyond providing financial services, SACCOs are a powerful tool for economic empowerment. Supporting entrepreneurship: By providing access to working capital, SACCOs enable women to transition from subsistence activities to dynamic, income-generating businesses. This can lead to increased household income, asset ownership, and greater financial self-reliance. Increasing productivity: In the agricultural sector, SACCOs can provide funds for inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and tools, helping women farmers improve their yields and productivity. Facilitating collective action: SACCOs, especially those formed by women, can serve as a platform for members to collectively purchase inputs, market their products, and negotiate better terms of trade. 3. Social and Non-Financial Empowerment The benefits of SACCOs extend beyond the purely economic, contributing to a woman's overall social standing and well-being. Building financial literacy and skills: Many SACCOs provide financial education, business management training, and advisory services to their members. This enhances women's ability to make informed financial decisions, manage their money, and run successful enterprises. Enhancing decision-making power: Studies have shown that participation in SACCOs increases a woman's role in household decision-making, particularly concerning finances. By contributing to the household economy, women gain a stronger "voice" and more influence. Fostering social networks and confidence: Being part of a SACCO creates a supportive network where women can share experiences, build trust, and gain confidence. This can encourage them to take on leadership roles, not just within the co-operative but also in their communities. Promoting gender equality: Some SACCOs are specifically designed for women, which helps them overcome cultural and social barriers. Other SACCOs, while open to both genders, may have policies that encourage women's participation in leadership positions, promoting gender balance and a more equitable society.

RECYCLING OLD CAR WASTES INTO FOOT WEAR FOR RURAL PEOPLE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBuSDZWmasc

Women call centre Uganda in Kasese Uganda Recycling old car waste, particularly tires, into footwear for rural communities is a well-established and impactful practice. It addresses multiple challenges at once: environmental pollution from waste tires, economic hardship in rural areas, and the need for durable, affordable footwear. The proposal project has been funded by Marie schlei Germany and impacted by training over 50 women in Kasese western Uganda. Now women trade in different shoes ranging from poor to the rich. Shoes are made according to needs and income status of our society say 2500- 20000 UGX. How It Works The process is generally a low-tech, manual one that can be easily adapted to a small-scale social enterprise or individual craftsperson. 1. Sourcing Materials: Old, discarded car and truck tires are collected from local sources, such as mechanic workshops, dumpsites, or by-the-road. In some cases, organizations partner with tire dealers for a consistent supply. 2. Preparation: The tires are cleaned, and the useful rubber parts are separated from the steel belts and other non-rubber components using simple tools like sharp knives. The thick, durable tread section of the tire is often used for the sole, while other parts can be used for straps or other parts of the shoe. 3. Shoe Creation: o Soles: The tire tread is cut into the shape of a shoe sole. o Straps/Uppers: Various materials are used for the rest of the shoe. These can include strips of recycled tire, discarded leather, fabric scraps, or other durable and locally available materials. o Assembly: The sole and upper are then attached, often by stitching them together with heavy-duty needles and thread or with strong adhesives. 4. Distribution: The finished footwear is sold at an affordable price to local communities, providing a low-cost, long-lasting alternative to factory-made shoes. Benefits of the Approach • Environmental: Tires are a significant source of pollution. They are not biodegradable and can become breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes. Recycling them into shoes directly reduces the amount of waste in landfills and open dumps. • Economic: This model creates local employment and income-generating opportunities. Small-scale entrepreneurs and artisans can learn the craft and start their own businesses. This is a particularly powerful tool for poverty reduction in communities with high unemployment rates. We now have over 50 women and girls. • Social: The footwear produced is extremely durable and affordable, making it accessible to people who might not be able to afford new shoes. This can be especially important for children, protecting their feet from cuts, parasites, and other injuries. • Circular Economy: This practice is a perfect example of a circular economy, where waste is not simply discarded but is repurposed into a new, useful product, creating a sustainable loop.