Women’s Economic Development
Women contribute economically to some households in rural Nicaragua and many homes are lead by single mothers. CEPAD provides training for women in farming techniques, organizes and funds community banks, and teaches other trades, which allow women to provide for themselves and their families.
Family Gardens
Women receive seeds and training so they’re able to plant fruits and vegetables around their homes. Kids get better nutrition and the moms are able to sell the excess, generating an extra income while still making sure the children are taken care of.
Women Entrepreneurship Program
CEPAD’s new women entrepreneurship program teaches women how to start their own businesses and even provides revolving loans with a low interest rate to help them get started.
Community Banking
CEPAD helps women to organize community banks where 7-8 women come together to become financially literate through training and then take out a loan together. By taking out a group loan, there is greater accountability as each member is responsible to pay her piece of the loan on time. These loans are used to invest in women’s small businesses. For example, one woman may need the credit to purchase food in bulk to sell it at a higher price in her village to easily repay the loan and make money through sales.
Patio Project
Through this project, CEPAD provides women with financing to purchase pigs and chickens to raise and reproduce in their backyards. The women use these pigs and chickens to sell in their communities to increase their incomes. They are also eaten so families have access to animal proteins in their diets, something that is often lacking in rural homes.
Check out Maria’s family garden and read about the impact of micro loans for Carmen Acuña and her family here.