International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and reflect on the work that still lies ahead. At Five Talents, we choose to honour the remarkable women in rural Africa who are transforming their lives, families and communities through their courage and determination.
These women are at the heart of everything we do.
Across rural communities, women gather each week in literacy and savings groups. Together they learn to read and write, build financial confidence, save regularly and access small loans to grow their businesses. It’s turning microfinance on its head, and these groups are more than economic platforms, but spaces of encouragement and community – places where women support one another as they take steps toward a more financially resilient future.
Time and again, we see that when women are given opportunity, transformation follows.
From Literacy to Independence
For many women, literacy is the first step toward independence.
Meet Purity.
“I never got the opportunity to go to school. I am a mother of three and when I joined the literacy class, I have been able to grow in so many ways.
Initially, I could not do any mobile transaction by myself and I relied on my children and friends to help me perform any transaction. I couldn’t administer any medication to my children as I could not read the prescription. After attending the literacy classes, I am currently able to do my business transactions without having to request for help, am able to give my children their medication as prescribed and my business is also growing by the day as a result.
I also joined the Young Mothers savings group and have been able to expand my business, through the low interest loans, and a considerable loan repayment period. I currently own a small grocery shop where I sell groceries and chips. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be part of this noble initiative . “
Restoring Confidence and Dignity
Julienne, from DRC told us:
“Before joining my literacy group, I lived with an inferiority complex, I underestimated myself. I was very involved in the church but I felt I could not take up the responsibilities granted to me. My husband was always criticising me, saying: “This is the behaviour of illiterate women.” I always regretted this phrase so much. It shocked me, and drove me to join my literacy group.
Our facilitator is training us with love. I see mothers reading the Bible in church, others even leading the prayers, and those who were afraid have now left fear behind. All that is the impact.
Looking ahead, I can see everyone who has completed the literacy programme is now saving money. I would like to continue into a savings group so that my life and that of my family can be improved in all respects. Above all, I don’t want my husband to keep on using that word “illiterate.”
The Ripple Effect of Empowerment
We hear stories like these daily, from women across rural Africa. They show how change often begins simply: by learning to read, saving small amounts of money, and growing in confidence alongside others.
The impact of gaining these skills reach far beyond the individual woman. Children are more likely to stay in school, families are better nourished, and households become more resilient in difficult times. Just as importantly, these groups create spaces where women encourage one another and grow together.
Across the communities where Five Talents works, thousands of women are taking these steps every day — building businesses, supporting their families and strengthening their communities through literacy and savings groups.
Honouring Women This International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the courage and determination of women like Purity and Julienne, and the many others who are taking bold steps toward new opportunities.
Their stories show how change often starts with small steps — learning to read, gaining confidence, or saving together with others in the community.
From there, the impact grows. Women build businesses, support their families and take on new roles in their communities.
When women have the opportunity to thrive, the benefits are felt across households and neighbourhoods — creating stronger, more resilient communities for everyone.
For more individual stories, visit our website.