In 2006, TMF issued its first loans to fifteen women in a village in the southern highlands of Ethiopia. Today, the Women’s Small Business Loan Program has expanded into nearby communities; more than 200 women have received loans to start their own businesses.

Each group of women is selected through a community process which identifies the poorest women with some business acumen to ensure their success in the program. TMF employs a woman to oversee the program who meets with each group of women regularly to share successes and discuss solutions to problems they may be having with their businesses.

Besides the economic benefits for their families, there has been another far-reaching change in the women’s lives. Before, they could not take part in community events such as weddings and funerals because they could not afford to give even a handful of coffee beans to the families. They “hid in our kitchens in shame.” Now, not only can they afford to give the expected gifts, they have the confidence to speak out in community meetings and to know their opinions are respected. Because of their elevated status, the Women’s Affairs office in the area selects women from the loan program to serve as advisors or leaders in various community activities.

Their children’s lives have also been profoundly affected; they can attend school and have the respect of their classmates.

Your gift will give a woman an opportunity to become a self-supporting and influential member of her community.