Turning Adversity into Prosperity: Stella's Triumph in Economic Empowerment
"My children are my only source of motivation; their well-being is the driving force behind my relentless efforts to secure a brighter future for them," asserts Stella, a 35-year-old mother of four.
Stella vividly recalls a harrowing chapter in her life when she was forced into marriage with a man old enough to be her father. The haunting memory of betrayal by those she once believed loved her continues to linger fresh in her mind to this day.
The initial two years of her marriage were marked by love and support; however, this dream was abruptly shattered. Stella's husband began engaging with other women, returning home inebriated, subjecting her to humiliating insults, and neglecting his responsibilities towards their family.
"That's when I realised it was my responsibility to provide for my children, as no one else would," reveals Stella. Determined to secure their well-being, she engaged in various money-making activities, including brewing and selling alcohol in her neighborhood to afford food for her children.
Regrettably, her business venture yielded more losses than gains, with customers consistently consuming on credit and threatening her when asked for payment, leaving her feeling helpless and frustrated.
"There were days when I contemplated suicide, but the thought of leaving my children alone made it an impossible choice," she confesses.
One fateful day, Stella's friend Grace introduced her to the Ombavule Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), part of the 850 VSLAs established by World Vision under the Security, Protection and Economic Empowerment (SUPREME) project. Stella found a training program by World Vision focused on financial literacy, goal setting, and enterprise development.
During this training, Stella discovered the solution she had long prayed for to create a better life for her family. Filled with fresh hope, she eagerly joined the group, commencing her savings journey with UGX 5,000 (USD 1.3) for five shares.
In just six months of her membership in Ombavule VSLA, Stella mastered the art of financial management and business enterprise development. She obtained a loan of UGX 500,000 (USD 130) to put her newfound knowledge into practice, investing in a milling machine next to the primary village market for grinding cassava, maize, and millet.
Since joining the Savings and Loans Association, Stella's children no longer had to worry about food and school fees. John, Stella's 9-year-old son, recalls the challenging times and expresses gratitude for the positive change. "There were days when our mother would ask us to play at the neighbor's house in the hopes of being invited to share a meal. Some days, we'd go without food. But ever since our mother joined the savings group, we've never worried about food at home or school fees."
Stella now charges UGX 500 (USD 0.13) per kilo for grinding; on average, she earns between UGX 25,000 (USD 6.5) to UGX 35,000 (USD 9) on a market day. With her thriving business, she acquired two acres of land for growing food for sale and family consumption, and she also bought two goats.
"I want my children to enjoy their childhood without the fear of going hungry or witnessing violence in our home," Stella passionately declares. "I now ensure that my children attend school to become responsible adults," she concludes.
Stella has found a new supportive family within the savings group as she embarks on the journey to economic empowerment. She has become a beacon of hope for many single mothers in her village and now empowers other women who have been victims of Gender-Based Violence.
Story and Photo by: Brian Jakisa Mungu, Communications Officer