Empowering Women Through Savings And Businesses

Growing up my mother and some of the women in my neighborhood would meet at least once every month and from my perspective, at that time it always seemed that they just met to eat all our food and talk endlessly about everything and nothing, after all this was done, they would then, in low and serious tones start talking and putting money in a basket at the center of the room, now that was interesting. After they left, I had to do a ton of dishes which I particularly liked working and my mother had a big smile on her face. This went on through the years and these women met monthly and did the same thing every year. Today I have realized the vision that these women, these saving groups, and now realize how important it was to these women.

In those years, they were able to improve themselves and to better their families in ways that still surprise me today, my mother for instance was able to take four of us through school and still provide for our basic needs. I could see how many different women became better and improved the quality of their lives through buying land, starting businesses, and taking the community to new heights. Just like it was back then savings continue to be an important part of different women around the world, whether they are doing it individually or in a group, it still serves their different needs when rainy days come and they are better able to take care of their families. Steve Burkholder once said, “If you are saving you are succeeding.” These words couldn’t make what these women were doing any clearer.

It is said that women are the most untapped resources we have on earth today. This is because women are constantly finding new ways to be better and to grow, they are finding ways to be financially independent, to provide for themselves and some of their families, in my community many women do this by starting their businesses, most of the businesses are small and are mostly, veggie stands, clothes stands, food stands, etc. Others can start salons and boutiques massage parlors, open restaurants, etc. Whether it is a small startup or a big establishment, women are beginning to take their place in society and are doing what best suits their interests and gives them financial stability.

Unlike in the ancient days, where women were not allowed to have savings or when women having their businesses was frowned upon, today women are encouraged to have savings and taught in ways to manage their funds and way to grow their business. This has led to the growth of the economy in many parts of the world and many families live a better life because of this

In conclusion, Savings and businesses are some of the most important ways to empower a woman, these values should be taught earlier on when they are still young, women must know the power that having control over their finances means and what strength and freedom it gives when one has their own business or earns an income.