By Nermien Riad | Executive Director
By the grace of God, and the generosity of our donors, B’edaya micro-lending initiative is transforming widowed mothers from helpless, house-bound widows into self-sufficient businesswomen, role models for their children, and assets to their communities. Be’daya is funding 37 micro-businesses of different types and across all of Egypt—from raising livestock to offering services and selling goods.
All of the 37 mothers are showing a high level of efficacy and commitment in running their projects and overcoming both market and personal challenges. Fouada*--one of the diligent mothers who stood strong for her project—had become a widow in her late 30s and lived with her little family in her parents-in-law’s house. Fouada made bed sheets and sold them in churches and public exhibitions, but wasn’t able to produce more beyond the capacity of her existing equipment. After qualifying for a B’edaya micro-loan, she took the business to another level; she did not stop at making bedsheets but extended the business to making curtains and backpacks from recycled fabrics. Fouada achieved huge success, and retail stores allocated special shelf space in their shops for her products. “I spend most of my time in my working room. The feeling of owning my business inspires me to dream of one day having a workshop or a factory of my own.” Fouada said. She added that her relationship with her children improved; instead of perceiving her as an illiterate mother, they started to think of her as a successful business owner and a strong woman.
B’edaya doesn’t only transform the widowed mothers’ financial conditions but also helps change the way they are perceived within their families and within their communities.
We are grateful to God for His abundant grace and provision for the mothers and their businesses. We also thank our donors who are passionate about our work, and through their donations, Be’daya is able to reach more mothers to support.
*Names are changed to maintain the privacy of our mothers.
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