Madam Mary R. is a single parent and she struggles to feed and educate her three children (2 boys, 1 girl),one in the university and two in high school. In addition to her three children Mary also has two wards. The responsibility of her family including school costs of books, school fees, uniforms, etc. rests squarely on Mary. She gets occasional assistance from her sister, but this is not enough to meet the daily needs of her family. Though a civil servant (a third grade clerk) Mary’s salary, which is less than $100 a month is pitifully insufficient to maintain her family.

Mary sells various items (ice, cold water, soft drinks, palm oil, wood and blended). She has been in this business for over 10 years to augment her income and take care of her family and educate her children. Mary makes a profit of about $20 per month. She sells her items in a nearby school which shares boundary with her house. The low profit margin threatens the sustainability of her business. Mary therefore needed micro finance to expand her business to maximize profit, which she can plough back into the business for sustainability and to support her children, especially the two that will be entering university in October 2011. The basic cost of university per student per annum is $3000.

Mary is very grateful to Develop Africa and its partners for supporting her with micro finance to enhance her business and support her family.

In celebration of International Women's Day, we celebrate you Mary and all women globally.
 

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