Joyce talks women’s empowerment

Today’s blog is brought to you by Joyce Anyango Olal, Kijiji Cha Upendo member, tailor, entrepreneur, and foster mother of four orphaned children. 

Early in the video, Joyce speaks of how “Kijiji has always held us tightly” in times of crisis, as when flood waters pour into homes in Kibera or violent political protests leave families sheltering in place and unable to run their businesses. She expresses her gratitude for food baskets that keep children fed and healthy, rather than roaming streets to steal or beg for food. 

Joyce goes on to give us an inside look at how “Kijiji” equips women to take charge of their own development. Women are grouped into “clusters” (each cluster typically contains 15 women). In the clusters, women have two ways to boost their savings. “Table banking” provides smaller savings that can be accessed for household needs or an unexpected medical expense. “SACCOS” (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) are where larger amounts of savings are accumulated. These can then be leveraged to acquire loans for the women’s business ventures. As Joyce states, “A good business requires good investments for better returns.”

Joyce is also a parent. She wraps up her video blog in conversation about topics any parent, in any country, can relate to—including the challenge of raising teenagers! Here, the cluster model shines again: women find mutual support through sharing experience and advice. Kijiji Cha Upendo supports the clusters with speakers and information sessions. 

We thank Joyce for this look at how women are empowered in the “Kijiji clusters.” You support this directly with your donations to Village of Love Canada. 

The final word goes to Joyce. “I’m so grateful to Kijiji Cha Upendo for giving us a shoulder to lean on. The support has not been in vain; we’ve greatly benefited.” 

Video credit: Sophie Anyango