ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
ASA supports economic empowerment through several microloan programs. The populations ASA focuses on for the micro-loan programs include victims of domestic violence and other displaced, disadvantaged or vulnerable women.
Current Projects
Northern Uganda: Gulu
The microloan program in Northern Uganda was started in 2019. The program specifically targets vulnerable women affected by war and gender violence. The program in Gulu is based on a group lending program with a maximum of seven members in each group. The group of borrowers are members of the Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN) located in Gulu.
Currently there are four active groups with five to six members in each group. Businesses include poultry and egg production, wine making, and selling agricultural products, secondhand clothing, and food products at local markets.
The Community Microloan Program: Entebbe
The Community Microloan program started in 2015 with three recipients with small loans distributed amounting to about $50 each. The recipients paid back the loans after three months with 12% simple interest. Normal interest rates in Uganda are 32% compound interest. After paying back their loans, recipients were able to apply for additional loans.
Currently there are close to eight recipients. Many have small businesses including farming and restaurants, and others sell crafts, beverages and food. Participants include those impacted by severe poverty, HIV/AIDS and gender violence.
“ASA Social Fund for Hidden Peoples Microloan Project”
3 minutes, 17 seconds
ASA Social Fund for Hidden Peoples’ economic empowerment funding expanded its microloan program to over 40 participants in Uganda. It has spread to two areas: Entebbe and Northern Uganda. Hidden Peoples receiving the loans includes: LRA war victims, acid attack/gender violence survivors, orphans, people with disabilities, and albinos. The microloan program has also expanded into providing funds for business training and training of trainers.