Problem

In rural communities of Africa, formal employment prospects are limited. Without such economic opportunities, educated young women are forced to migrate to cities in search of work, putting them at risk of exploitation and abuse, and depriving their rural communities of its educated youth. In the face of rising rates of poverty and HIV/AIDS, young women hold immense responsibilities, many as the heads of their households responsible for the education and care of younger siblings.

The Gift

Your gift of $90 will provide business training and a start-up grant for one young woman to establish her own rural enterprise. Tailoring, market gardening and soap-making are among the many businesses that give young women economic independence and choice and provide goods and services for their communities. The new entrepreneurs use their profits to expand their businesses, further their education or support the younger generation into school. And young women whose businesses are up and running mentor other businesswomen in their area, working together to build the backbone of the rural economy.
Siphelani, pictured left, started a poultry rearing enterprise: “I am growing up in mind and in business. Now I have touched the stars and I am not going to give up till I reach the moon." Give this gift to a loved one and empower another young woman to achieve her dreams.