In November 2018, Bertha was running a modest grocery stall in a Zambian market. Her stall, while providing for her family, was subject to the challenges of seasonal weather. During the rainy season, Bertha often had to shut down her business, impacting her ability to earn a consistent income.
Today, Bertha’s journey has taken an inspiring turn. She has transitioned from her market stall to renting a shop just down the street. With this new space, Bertha has the capacity to stock a wider range of goods and, most importantly, keep her business open throughout the year.
Before receiving loans and training from MicroLoan Foundation, Bertha faced difficulties paying school fees for her children. The mounting costs of uniforms, books, pencils, and general fees had become a burden for the family.
“Life is better because we are able to buy uniforms for the school children. Sometimes, we couldn’t even provide meals, but now, we can at least provide two meals a day,” Bertha explains.
The loan allowed Bertha to invest in restocking her shop, focusing on essential goods her community relies on. Zambia’s ongoing drought has affected many families’ ability to buy food. Understanding this, Bertha ensured her shop was well-stocked with mealie meal, a type of maize flour used to make nshima, a Zambian staple food.
For Bertha, her shop is just the beginning. She uses her profits to cover rent, restock her shop, feed her family, and support her children’s education. However, she dreams of expanding into another business.
Bertha hopes to open a second business, a hair salon, to complement her grocery shop. Her daughters are very passionate about hairstyling. “They are more beautiful than their mother,” Bertha says with a laugh. “I’m sure they will love having a salon.” Her new venture would not only bring additional income but also provide her daughters with a platform to explore their talents and build their own future.
Bertha’s story is an example of how access to financial support can empower women to transform their lives and communities. Through her determination and resourcefulness, Bertha is building a brighter future for her family and inspiring others around her.
Published on: 30/01/2025
