Empower Women through the Self Help Group Approach

What Covid-19 has taught us is to be kind and to carry on as best we can! South Africa has officially exited the third wave (which lasted longer than either of the previous 2), some countries have opened their borders and everyone is trying to carry on with their lives as "normally" as possible!

What does all this mean for our Self Help Groups? Well they can meet again, particularly if it is outside and they must really try to start/carry on with their Income Generating Businesses if at all possible as this is the best way to improve their standards of living.

Some exciting news is that we have started working with 2 Community Facilitators and 5 groups in a new area, Bolobedu. The attached photo shows members making a "Community Map" which is done with new groups so everyone knows where everyone else lives.

We have scheduled 2 Learning and Sharing events for November. We decided on 2 this year, after we had to cancel the event last year, as this will be safer if we have to hold them indoors. Our members are very excited at the prospect of meeting old friends, learning from one another and having an opportunity to show off their wares. Marketing remains a big challenge for those with Income Generating Businesses which do not involve food. In order to assist with this vital skill, Thusanang is hoping to be able to run workshops for SHG members to improve their business skills next year.

This is my final report for this year. Please stay safe, be kind and if you can, make a donation to our project!

Links:

• Help rural women help themselves