In celebration of International Women’s Day, Katianna shares about a ministry in South Asia that is all about empowering women.

During February I travelled to South Asia with a Global Exposure team from a local Baptist church in Victoria. We visited inspiring projects run by our partner NGO. From its inception, our ministry partner in South Asia has focused on empowering women and helping to lift families out of poverty. It was amazing to see this transformational work firsthand!

In South Asia, women are among some of the most poor, marginalised and illiterate. They often have no power to change their circumstances. Seeing this reality, our partner NGO created savings groups.

Savings groups are groups of women who learn and save money together. At each weekly meeting they contribute a small amount. As the savings grow, they use loans for income generating initiatives such as livestock or agriculture. They also learn how to read and write, and are taught ways they can positively impact the health, financial position and education of their families.

I had heard about these groups while I was in Melbourne, but it was so exciting to actually sit with these women in person and hear their stories! We sat in a circle between mud houses, surrounded by rice fields, cows and flood plains. Dressed in colourful clothing, the women shared about their meetings, life in the villages and the money they had saved together.

I will never forget how the women smiled and laughed as they told us of their progress. When we asked the women what they planned to spend their savings on, everyone rushed to give us an answer. Each woman had a dream.

One group member spoke with excitement about her plans to buy a cow and raise it. This would ensure she could provide her children with a better education and future.

Many of the women in savings groups didn’t get to finish primary school, however girls in their villages are four times more likely to finish year ten than girls in other village communities. These groups have a long-term impact for the next generation and beyond!

Through joining together in community and supporting each other, savings group members are being empowered. They are building trust and revelling in the dignity of being able to provide for own families. They are gaining leadership skills and realising that they can make a difference in the lives of others too. They are sharing what they have learnt and ensuring that the next generation of South Asian women are also empowered.

It was a privilege to spend time with these women and witness their courage, joy and ambition. Now I am back in Melbourne, I will keep praying for them.