Soroptimists in South Lancashire have joined together to support women entrepreneurs.
At the summer Programme Action meeting Region President Sandy Taylor fulfilled her aim of setting up loans in the name of the Region. Loans are managed by the charity LendWithCare. This microfinance scheme enables people in low-income countries to ‘work their way out of poverty with dignity’.
Soroptimist clubs in the Region donated to the initiative; the total was then match-funded from regional funds.
In a ‘live’ screening, President Sandy demonstrated the practicalities of the loan system. Then members agreed funding for several groups and individuals.
Entrepreneurs supported in this first batch work in farming, retail and tailoring, and live in Togo, Vietnam and Ecuador. A total of £435 was pledged. In several instances, South Lancashire’s contribution enabled some requests to be fully-funded on the day.
The loans will be repaid over several months. Money can then be re-loaned to new entrepreneurs …. and so on.
Soroptimist International South Lancashire now has a profile on the LendWithCare website as a lender. As President Sandy wrote: “Soroptimists aim to improve the lives of women and girls through their Educate, Empower and Enable programme of service and community action. This endeavour is collaboration between the 15 Clubs in our Region where we recognise the power of working together.”