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What It’s Like to Be An Entrepreneur in the Middle of an Economic Crisis
One of the major problems caused by the Zimbabwe economic crisis is the high unemployment rate. I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, but I haven’t found a permanent job in relation to my field. Right now, I’m 25 years old, but I’m still depending on my parents; I can’t…
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How We Ensure Our Microloan Beneficiaries’ Success
To this day, we’ve supported hundreds of women with microloans in Zimbabwe and Chile. And the results have been extraordinary: The women we’ve worked with have by and large paid back their loans and used them to grow thriving businesses. The secret to success? The drive, talent and hard work of these women. The other…
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Why Zimbabwe’s Economic Crisis Should Be A Women’s Issue
Since 2016, Zimbabwe’s economy has been in recession. But it’s been in trouble for much longer—over fifteen years now. Though the cash shortages brought on by the crisis are tough on everyone, there’s one group of people who bears the brunt of the burden: women. According to The World Post, women often wait for hours…
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Why We’re Obsessed With Mapuche Singer Ana Tijoux
It’s easy to think of Mapuche culture as being rooted in the past. The indigenous group native to Chile is known for artisan techniques such as silversmithing and weaving that date back all the way to 1300 AD. But to keep the culture of this resilient people alive, artists are innovating on Mapuche traditions—that’s why…
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The 6 Biggest Obstacles I’ve Faced in Getting an Education
The road to my educational success has not been easy, and even today I face many challenges. But I still dream to acquire an education and change not only my path, but also that of my family and my community in Zimbabwe. My dream encourages me to take steps to reach my vision of success…
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Why It’s Essential to Keep Mapuche Art Alive
Our work in Southern Chile primarily focuses on women who are part of Chile’s largest indigenous group: the Mapuche. Meaning “people of the Earth,” the Mapuche resisted Spanish conquest and still today have maintained many aspects of their culture in the face of assimilation. That’s just one of the reasons why in addition to providing…
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How Women-Run Businesses Are Boosting My Community
For communities to develop and flourish, they need to engage determined women to run businesses. Businesses run by women are community-oriented in nature and don’t just benefit the business-owner and customers, but the whole community. Right now, there are many successful businesses led by women in my community in Zimbabwe, and their achievements benefit everyone.…
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7 Ways We Can Promote Women’s Education In Our Everyday Lives
Education is the most powerful weapon a woman can have. But in communities that don’t value women’s education, how do we provide them with the tools and knowledge they need? There are many ways of enlightening women about their worth in the community. Starting business projects. Education starts with small initiatives. There are many hard working…
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Staff Portrait: Meet Victoria, SKImfi Zimbabwe Communications Intern
SKIC’s Zimbabwe-based communications intern, Victoria, on what her role is like: What is your role at SKImfi? I am a communications/operations intern at SKImfi and I assist with keeping the records of the beneficiaries, ensuring that they comply with SKImfi rules and regulations, and compiling reports on the progress of their projects. What does a day…
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7 Sexist Comments I Hear—And What I Say in Return
Precious Ngwayarudza, a native of Zimbabwe, shares some of the comments she’s heard as single woman pursuing education—and her strategies for combatting casual sexism: Why are you obtaining a Masters degree? Don’t you know that you will never secure a job in Zimbabwe? Learning is my passion. As long as I have the funding to continue…