From dependency to independency
A group of women gathers in Nawabad Qadim village in the Shulgara district of Balkh province to help each other reach economic independence.
They are six women with disabilities in the Gole Lala (Tulip) self-help group. It was created by the technical support of SCA’s disability program in the north.
As per the rules of the group, each member has to deposit 100 AFN (around $1.29) as a saving fund on monthly basis.
“We have so far managed to save 31,000 AFN (around $452). The group has given each of its three members a 10,000 AFN loan to help them start their own business by producing dishwashing liquid,” says Sherin Gul, head of the group.
The produced liquids soon became popular in the city for their high quality for which demand is increasing in the local market. To meet the customer’s demands, the group decided to further expand their business.
“With the support of SCA’s Community Based Rehabilitation Workers (CBRW), we prepared a business plan and requested for a group loan of 60,000 AFN (a sum of about $775). Fortunately, our request is accepted and we are provided with the loan. Currently, the monthly average net profit is AFN 6000 (about $77.52),” says Habiba, a member of the group.
“This group is well organized and conducts their monthly meetings on regular basis. They also encourage other women to start their businesses by promoting their products. They sometimes invite them to participate in their monthly meetings,” says Jamila the CBRW in the Shulgara district.
Self-Help Groups of persons with disabilities play a vital role in the socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. Currently, the Disability Program of SCA provides technical and capacity development support to 64 self-help groups with a total of 634 members (278 women and 356 men) in Balkh, Samangan, Jawzjan, Ghazni, Wardak, and Paktika provinces through an EU funded project, Building Active Citizenship, and Equality for Person with Disabilities in Afghanistan (BACEDA).