**Inclusion and Empowerment: Credit as a Tool for Change for Displaced Women in Congo**
In the heart of North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a wind of hope is blowing for displaced and vulnerable women. The establishment of a savings and credit mutual in Beni has opened new perspectives for these women often forgotten by traditional financial institutions.
The “Mama Shujaa” program is much more than just a loan. It is a symbol of autonomy and solidarity for these women who have experienced the horrors of war and forced displacement. By organizing themselves into associations, they receive preliminary training before being able to access group credit. This approach, based on mutual trust and solidarity, offers women the opportunity to support each other, thus strengthening their resilience and their capacity to undertake.
The absence of material guarantees for obtaining these loans is a real act of faith in the ability of these women to succeed. And the results are there: one hundred and seventy women have already benefited from this program and their repayment rate is beyond expectations. This success testifies to the strength of female solidarity and the determination of these women to take their destiny into their own hands.
But beyond the social aspect, the “Mama Shujaa” program also has a significant economic impact. By allowing women to access credit, we encourage the creation of small businesses, the development of entrepreneurship and the diversification of sources of income. This virtuous circle contributes to the economic empowerment of women and the reduction of poverty in the region.
The request for exemption from certain taxes for cooperatives and microfinance institutions engaged in similar initiatives is legitimate. By financially supporting these field actors, the Congolese State invests in the social and economic inclusion of the most vulnerable populations. This is a win-win partnership that benefits the entire community.
Ultimately, the “Mama Shujaa” program embodies the hope and resilience of displaced women in Congo. By giving them the means to become actors in their own lives, we restore their dignity and confidence in the future. It is this profound transformation that gives meaning to the work of the Beni savings and credit mutual, and which paves the way to a better future for all these courageous women who refuse to give up.