Mother Empowerment

Here in ICM, we have found that one of the best ways to promote economic growth among the poor is to empower women for greater productivity. In fact, 88% of our Transform participants are women. So it’s no coincidence that most of the stories that we have featured in our newsletters and social media are about these amazing mothers who work hard to improve the lives of their families. These past couple of years have been extra tough for everyone. We want to celebrate the mothers who have stood their ground and didn’t give up on their families and their goals to rise up out of poverty. Here are just a few of them: Evelinda is proof that you earn what you learn. Through Transform, she learned fabric weaving and started a business selling floormats and potholders to help augment their family’s income. She also kept her husband and family healthy through home remedies and by learning the signs of illnesses that required professional medical attention. Learn more about Evelinda’s story here!   Meet Violeta who was empowered to use her interest in cooking to start her own business! Through Violeta’s life, we are able to see the impact that is brought about when we empower women. When a woman’s life improves and her perspective broadens, everyone in the community benefits. Read more about Violeta! Susan, from Cebu, is another working mom who’s worried about time management between her job and her responsibilities at home. It was very frustrating for her, but with guidance and assistance from her FA coach, her child is now doing well in school. With her savings and a loan from her savings group, Janice was able to build a new house when a tornado tore down their old one!  Jyotti’s previous business have been hit hard by the pandemic and the quarantines. Through creativity and a lot of hard work, she was able to bounce back by making and selling concrete pots! Elizabeth has a large family with thirteen children, their spouses, and eight grandchildren. They struggled to keep food on the table during the COVID-19 quarantine period in Mindanao when they couldn’t work. But with a little help and a lot of determination, she was able to keep her family whole and healthy through the pandemic.  These are just a few of the amazing women we work with in ICM! To learn more about our work and how you could help, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or just visit us here on our website and blog. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!