PERSPECTIVES - Empowerment Programs
Maasai Women Share How FOTZC Changed Their Lives
When a group of Maasai women met with board members of Focus on Tanzanian Communities (FOTZC), they were excited to share the many ways in which the Women’s Empowerment Program has changed their lives. The proceeds from the small businesses the women opened helped them feed their families, send their children to school, and lead more independent lives.
The Women’s Empowerment Program teaches basic business skills to help Maasai women open small, environmentally friendly businesses, like beading and beekeeping. Earning a living in Tanzania’s remote regions can be incredibly difficult, especially for Maasai women who are often raised in a patriarchal culture.
Hundreds of women have started their own businesses through this microfinance program, formerly known as the Community Conservation Banking program (COCOBA). Here’s how six group leaders said it has changed their lives.
Anna, 60
I’m proud that I can now buy school uniforms for my children and food for my family. Before COCOBA, I didn’t know how to do any business.
Naisho, 28
Women can now help support their children by paying for school fees, school uniforms and helping support their families in other ways. Women now have more independence and do not have to rely on men for everything.
Nairotia, 40
Without COCOBA money, my daughter would not have been able to attend secondary school – something I never dreamed would be possible. Beekeeping is usually a masculine task, but COCOBA is helping teach a lot of women about the craft.
Nosiruai, 40
Women are moving forward because of FOTZC. I can now buy a variety of healthy food for my eight children, when before they barely had enough to eat.
Nosim, 45
Women are learning business, including the buying and selling of corn. The women now feel empowered to conduct business on their own, without having to wait for a man’s permission or guidance.
Naomi, 21
I’m thankful that my family can now eat a variety of foods. They used to eat just corn, but I can now provide three meals a day for my family: tea and cake for breakfast, rice and beans for lunch, and ugali and spinach for dinner. And I now have the confidence to pursue construction of more durable housing for my community.
The progress for these women also wouldn’t be possible without access to clean water. Now that water is more easily available, women have more time to focus on their businesses and their daughters can spend time at school, instead of trekking for hours to a water source. Increasing access to clean water remains one of FOTZC's most important initiatives.
And none of this would be possible without FOTZC donors, who show their support by giving generously –
and these women are immensely grateful.
How Can You Help?
Click the link below to support FOTZC’s projects and be a force for good in Tanzania. You can choose to send your gift where it’s needed most, or designate one of FOTZC’s areas of focus: Education, Health, Water and Women’s Empowerment.
