I asked women on the line two simple questions. How does it feel to be a business woman? How has your microcredit project helped you? Here are some of their replies.
"I
feel independent. I've got more self-worth.
The loan will help buy start-up equipment."
Claire Miller, Pencil Portrait Artist, Holt, UK cemiller@freenetname.co.uk
"All
the women in the market and the community, we are all working, everyone
is working nicely. We have combined our loans
to build a new indoor market."
Francis Boye, Queen Mother, Accra, Ghana
"I
feel in control of my life, in business and personally. The project gives
me a sense of security - a back-up"
Clare
Staples, Designer Dressmaker, Norwich
staples@antestatik.co.uk
"I
could not have started my business without the loan. My dream? I want
to be a big person - to be able to
pay for my son's education"
Theresa
Odcom, Petty Trader, Elmina, Ghana
"Fantastic!
It's so great to be in charge of my own life and the way I live it. The
project has given me the confidence to set up my own business"
Charlotte
Scott, Artist, Norwich, UK
charlotteartist@hotmail.com
"The
level of self-esteem has increased because she is now able to stand in
front of people to advise them to do any activity, at first she couldn't
do that; and her image as a woman has been enhanced because of the money."
Theresa
Asantewaa, Cafe Owner and Chair of a Blessing Trust Bank, Mpsiatia, Ghana
"Producing
my own work to make a living is excellent. It encourages a feeling of
independence and reduces fears on all levels. The group support is essential
for me"
Sal Pittman, Costumier, Norwich, England
sal@wirelock.demon.co.uk
To read more replies click here
On The Line was founded by Oxfam GB, Channel
4 and WWF-UK and is registered charity, number 1073841
"If
we just gave loans to people, I don't think we'd get half of them back.
But its the support group, the lending circle that really keeps people
motivated.
It really is the key"
Erika Watson, Director of Weetu, Norfolk, UK