Fuelling Dreams: The Transformative Impact of Investing in Mothers

1. In the developing communities that Opportunity International Canada (OIC) serves globally, there are individuals who are the backbone of homes and entire communities. These individuals are mothers – and their resilience and determination shape countless lives and drive transformation.

Since joining the OIC team, I’ve had the honour of meeting many of the mothers we serve and capturing their inspiring stories. These women often head ultra-poverty households and lack access to necessities, including adequate shelter, clean water, and food, as well as the confidence and support needed to lift themselves out of poverty. However, in the face of adversity, a resounding theme can be heard; the hopes and dreams they have for their children.

I remember meeting Janeth in Nicaragua, a single mother to three young children. Her eyes spoke of resilience and determination, reflecting the strength of a mother who had weathered storms with unwavering resolve. We sat next to her rustic cob oven behind her home, and I asked her if she hoped one of her children would one day take over her bakery. Seeing the pride she had for her business, I expected a response that reflected continuing her legacy. However, her simple reply was quite the opposite, and resonated with me deeply.

In that moment, her guarded demeanour softened and with a gentle smile, she responded, “If that’s what they dream of doing. I want to help them achieve their dreams”.

Janeth’s response, which still echoes with me today, reflects the desire of the countless mothers we serve globally – an unwavering commitment to nurturing dreams and building better lives for their children.

When we invest in one mother, we’re not just changing her life, we’re fuelling the dreams of future generations.

The challenges faced by women in developing countries

In many parts of the world, deeply ingrained traditional gender roles and cultural norms create significant barriers for women entrepreneurs. These women, often mothers, find themselves trapped at the bottom of the economic ladder, excluded from formal education, access to loans and savings, supportive networks, and employment. Their unique challenges underscore the importance of our work.

How we’re investing in mothers with your help

At Opportunity International Canada, investing in women is fundamental to achieving our vision of a world in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty. Globally, women represent 97% of the clients we serve.

Here are three key ways we invest in women and mothers:

1. Increasing Access to Financial Services 

• Tailored financial services designed for marginalized women.
• Gender awareness training for partner financial institutions to enhance services for female clients.
• Expanding digital financial services to increase access for rural clients.

2. Building Financial Literacy and Livelihood Skills

• Equipping women with budgeting, loan investment, and financial planning skills.
• Providing technical skills for women farmers, from planting seeds to irrigation.
• Investing in quality schools for girls, enhancing infrastructure, teacher quality, and facilities.
• Providing socio-economic support for women in ultra-poverty to help develop the confidence and skills needed to care for their families and thrive.

3. Providing Access to Supportive Networks

• Savings Groups: A supportive community where women share goals and empower each other.
• Women’s Mentorship Programs: Real-life role models offering guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
• In Partnership with Global Affairs Canada, Opportunity launched the Financial Inclusion for Enterprise Development (FINEDEV) project in Ghana. FINEDEV funded the design of the Women in Business Mentorship Program, curriculum, and the first two Cohorts of women participants.

By increasing access to financial services, building financial literacy and livelihood skills, and providing access to supportive networks, we’re changing women’s lives while impacting entire families and communities. With your invaluable support, we can continue to fuel the journey out of poverty with opportunity and nurture dreams for mothers like Janeth and her children, for generations to come.