Great achievements for the women in Shashe Ward, Maun

Yesterday was such a beautiful day! After three months, we reunited with the women of Shashe VDC for our follow-up session.

Three months ago, each woman wrote a letter to herself, making promises about the business she wanted to start or grow. Yesterday, they opened those letters and shared their incredible progress along with the pride they now carry.

“I have started my traditional huts and I am happy in body and soul.”
“I saved for materials for my tuckshop. Now I’m saving for stock so I can start.”
“My pig project is running. My pig is pregnant and soon I’ll have baby piglets.”
“I have a tuckshop and a chicken business now… I did eat a few chickens, but it’s going well!”
“I bought an overlock sewing machine I saved for and now I’m receiving dress orders.”
“I started to do laundry for people alongside my tuckshop, and I’m saving for a washing machine now from my extra income.”
“I sell sweets, from BWP 3 I buy bread, and save the rest.” (from a woman with a mental disability)
“I saved for building materials and bought everything I needed. Sadly some was stolen, but I keep going.”
“I registered my business ‘Obby’s Kitchen’ and got my license.
My tuckshop is finished and I start next week.”
Two young women in the group worked hard to find jobs and succeeded! One even saved for a bed, a chest of drawers, and bought a phone from her salary.
“I bought the sewing machine I’d been saving for and started my mixed farming business with my own business name and license.”

After celebrating these achievements, we did our special “box” exercise. Last time, our role model Mma Kushonya shared her story and placed everything that made her successful into the box. One by one, the women looked inside… only to see themselves in the mirror. They realised they already hold everything they need to succeed… it’s all in their own hands.

The chiefs of Shashe and Tsutsubega VDC joined to give thanks, certificates were handed out, and we ended with a group photo.

Wow… what these women have achieved….all by saving and doing it themselves This is what empowerment is!