Empower 100 SHEpreneurs in Rural Zimbabwe...

In rural areas across the globe, women often face challenges in accessing financial resources and opportunities to start their own businesses. However, programs like the Talia Women's Network Street Business School are making a significant difference by empowering women through financial literacy and entrepreneurship training. This innovative program not only equips women with the necessary skills to start successful businesses but also brings about positive transformation in their lives and communities.

The Talia Women's Network Street Business School is a transformative initiative that focuses on teaching women in rural areas essential financial literacy skills. By providing training on budgeting, saving, investing, and managing finances, the program empowers women to take control of their financial future. This newfound knowledge not only enables women to make informed financial decisions but also helps them build sustainable businesses and income-generating projects.

One of the key benefits of financial literacy for women is the ability to achieve financial independence. Through the Street Business School program, women learn how to generate income, save money, and invest in their businesses. As a result, many women who have participated in the program have been able to break the cycle of poverty and become financially self-sufficient. This financial independence not only benefits the women themselves but also has a positive ripple effect on their families and communities.

Financial empowerment plays a crucial role in reducing instances of domestic violence. When women are financially independent and able to contribute to the household income, they gain a sense of autonomy and empowerment. By actively participating in financial decision-making, women reduce economic dependency. In addition to the tangible economic benefits, financial literacy also helps women build confidence and resilience. By acquiring the skills and knowledge to manage their finances effectively, women gain a sense of empowerment and control over their lives. This confidence often translates into improved self-esteem, assertiveness, and leadership qualities. As women become more financially literate, they are better equipped to overcome challenges, pursue opportunities, and advocate for themselves and their families. 

Training in this period was for the two active groups we are currently running - Simukai (meaning 'arise') and Chiyedza (meaning 'light'). Forty seven SHEpreneurs are currently receiving the business management and financial literacy training using the Street Business School curriculum.

One of the key modules in the curriculum is Finding Capital and Starting Small. One of the major reasons the SHEpreneurs gave for not establishing business ventures during the baseline survey was a lack of finance or start up capital. In this module, the women are encouraged to start with what they have, explore their gifts and talents to get started. The training shows them that businesses can start small and they expand their customer base and product offering as their income increases. We have women like Lorraine and Felistas who are now making various crafts such as hats, bags, aprons and tablecloths and selling to their communities and in nearby towns. From zero income, these women are now earning on average USD120 per month which allows them to cater for school fees, food, education, healthcare and other family needs. The women testify how earning an income has brought so much peace in their homes through reduced cases of gender based violence and disagreements with their husbands.

In addition to the on-going training, the women had an opportunity to showcase their products at a regonal marketplace during Segal Connect 2024 which was held in July in Lilongwe, Malawi. With a table at the marketplace, the women were able to showcase various products to the regional audience and secured customers and opportunities to network with other women entrepreneurs in the region.

From the dusty valleys of Chiweshe to the regional marketplace in Lilongwe - we demonstrated how the lives of women in Zimbabwe are being transformed through the positive power of entrepreneurship.