Orodara: In the Kenedougou province, particularly in the village of Dan, a grassroots revolution is underway as women come together to form community savings circles to combat poverty and enhance their socio-economic status. By pooling their resources, they are able to finance small income-generating activities, which empower them and foster social change in this agricultural region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the “Faso Deme” savings group in Dan exemplifies this new dynamic. The group, formed under the “Saving for Change” (EPC) initiative, meets weekly to contribute to a communal fund. Each member contributes 1,000 FCFA, with penalties for absences and lateness. These funds are then used for loans to members, promoting economic activities and social cohesion.
The initiative has had a profound impact on the lives of participants. Chantal Kone, a member of the group, shared that she transitioned from being a housewife to a businesswoman with the help of the EPC program. She borrowed 250,000 FCFA to start a poultry business, which now yields a substantial profit, allowing her to contribute to her family’s finances and even aid in building a new house.
Lala Kone also leveraged the community savings to venture into poultry farming, complementing her existing pig farming business. Her story is mirrored by many others, including Na Mariamou Traore from Sipigui village, who used loans to expand her business, significantly improving her family’s financial situation.
The program’s outreach extends to five communes in Kenedougou, supported by the SOS-Children of Orodara Association (SOSEO) and financed by the Stromme Foundation. More than 3,350 women have participated, mobilizing significant savings and transforming their economic conditions through this initiative.
However, the success of the program is not without challenges. Instances of fraudulent activities by private promoters have threatened to undermine trust in the savings groups. Testimonies from victims of such scams emphasize the need for vigilance and robust oversight to protect these community-driven efforts.
Despite these challenges, the EPC program continues to empower women, bolstering their confidence and voices within their communities. It serves as a testament to the potential of grassroots initiatives in driving economic and social progress.