Kiva is proud to support women’s empowerment and education around the world and has partnered with many innovative organizations that work to support the cause. In honor of International Women’s Day, Kiva is excited to spotlight two new partnerships with Etkie and Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) Zimbabwe! Etkie is a social enterprise that is committed to the financial and social empowerment of female Navajo artisans in New Mexico. Founded in 2011, the organization works exclusively with women, many whom have been social excluded or have physical disabilities. Etkie helps them sell their jewelry products at fair prices to earn a higher income and eventually attain financial independence.
Many Navajo reservations are in remote locations and face challenges such as high unemployment and housing shortages. Women are usually the sole heads of households, and their artwork is often the only source of income for their families. Etkie offers manufacturing and marketing assistance, organizational and technical assistance, and provides any necessary transportation. The organization aims to unlock opportunities by enabling Navajo women to access out-of-state markets.
Kiva lenders support Navajo artisans to produce their jewelry through in-kind, interest-free loans. Each loan of between $500 and $1000 will help them finance their production costs and transportation to and from the reservation. With Kiva’s support, Etkie will be able to reach more artists with critical capital!
While Etkie is dedicated to empowering women in New Mexico, Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) Zimbabwe is committed to improving girls’ education in Africa. The international nonprofit organization focuses on eradicating poverty in rural Africa by investing in education for girls and supporting the economic self-reliance and leadership of young women.
In Africa, many urban-educated teachers are reluctant to take jobs in rural communities, and the lack of rural-educated teachers undermines the quality of the rural school system. Camfed seeks to improve the quality of education through teacher training initiatives, and operates in five African countries.
The organization helps girls living in rural Zimbabwe at every state of their development, from primary school through adulthood. Camfed Zimbabwe’s programs enable girls to get into school, excel academically, and maximize the value of their education after they graduate. In 2012, the organization improved the educational status of over 2 million children and young people through a network of 4,743 schools.
Kiva lenders assist women living in rural Zimbabwe to expand their businesses, become self-reliant, and simultaneously help young girls access quality education. With Kiva’s support, Camfed Zimbabwe will be able to expand opportunities for the poor!
Consider supporting women’s empowerment and girls’ education and make a loan through Etkie or Camfed Zimbabwe today!
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
Watch and Share for International Women's Day: Women Make it Happen: →NEXT ARTICLE
The International Bank of Bob: What its First Year Taught the Author →
