Empowering underprivileged women to become entrepreneurs

The Philippine Children's Ministries Network partnered with the Zonta Club of Metro Greenhills for its Bangsamoro Women Recovery from War Initiative: Social Enterprise. The project's objective is to empower women, encourage social cohesion, and promote awareness of their rights and protection from gender-based violence.

The project's objectives were met through skills training, group development sessions and the provision of small aid grants to qualified beneficiaries from underserved community groups affected by armed conflict in Marawi City. With a US$5,000 grant from Zonta International, 44 women received assistance to provide access to economic activity, resulting in the creation and enhancement of entrepreneurial skills in two community groups.

After returning from Saudi Arabia, where she worked as a caregiver, Norjanah could not find a job and her husband's income is not enough to support their family of 10. With help from the Social Enterprise project, Norjanah was able to put up a food stall near the university where her husband works. She sells street food and earns around 1,000 pesos (US$20) daily, which allows her to give her children lunch money, buy them new shoes and uniforms, and pay for medications she needs to treat her heart condition and hyperthyroidism. When she has saved enough money, Norjanah would like to put up an eatery.

Read More Stories of Impact