At the heart of HOCIC’s work lies a firm belief in the transformative power of collective action. Our Self-Help Group (SHG) program, funded by KinderNotHilfe, is a testament to this philosophy, empowering underprivileged women across rural Zimbabwe.
These groups of 15-20 women come together weekly, pooling their small savings to access affordable credit and foster mutual support. But the impact extends far beyond the immediate members – it’s about creating a ripple effect that transforms entire communities.
Through the SHGs, women have started diverse income-generation projects, from farming to mining to cross-border trading. This has led to tangible improvements in household incomes, food security, and children’s education. Capacity-building on business skills has further equipped them to scale up and thrive.
But the SHGs’ influence doesn’t stop there. The women have also formed advocacy committees called Cluster Level Associations (CLAs), which have been instrumental in addressing critical local issues. From securing land for new healthcare clinics to improving mobile clinic operations, these empowered voices are driving positive change.
At HOCIC, we’re humbled to witness the ripple effect of the SHG program. By cultivating financial discipline, leadership skills, and a spirit of active citizenship, we’re empowering rural women to transform their lives, their families, and their communities.