My Business My Freedom MICROFINANCE LOANS FOR WOMEN AT RISK OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING My Business My Freedom offers small business solutions for women to help them support their families more sustainably. • 519 women are currently part of the My Business My Freedom women’s groups. Of these women, 376 have received loans and have started their own business. The remaining women are still progressing in their training and look forward to starting their businesses in due course. • 36 women received their very first microloan through this program during July to December 2020. They have completed their training and are ready for the next step with support from the MBMF team. • There are currently 38 women’s groups located throughout 3 regions of Nepal. There are around 11 to 15 women in each group. They are accountable to each other to keep on top of their loan repayments. They encourage and support each other through the tough times and celebrate with each other during the happy times like when a baby is born or when loans are repaid. This program has taken a hit since March 22, 2020 when COVID-lockdown occurred. Many women who were running their small businesses were unable to operate. Some women were struggling to provide for their families during this time, but we were able to provide help to those who needed it most through providing a month’s supply of food to their family.
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