Our Model
“ Charities should not come into existence to become businesses.” Lucy Rae, Project Director, Forgotten Women.
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Women
Traditional support models often focus on providing food, medicine, shelter, and educational aid. While these streams of assistance address immediate needs, they require ongoing contributions to sustain. This creates dependency, which can compromise dignity and limit long-term progress. Month after month, individuals receive aid, leaving them vulnerable and perpetuating a cycle of reliance. It’s time to shift the narrative toward empowerment and lasting change.
Dependency vs. Empowerment
Imagine working tirelessly for less than $2 a day, knowing it’s barely enough to feed your family one basic meal. This is the harsh reality for countless women in Somalia, Malawi, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. As these women shoulder immense burdens to keep their families afloat, the pressure often extends to their children, pushing them into child labor or worse, exploitation. Dependency erodes their self-worth and confidence, making it harder for them to break free from poverty. But there is hope. There is a better way.
A New Approach: Leveraging Investment For Transformation (LIFT)
The LIFT model isn’t just a program; it’s a movement that redefines how we combat poverty. It’s built on three transformative principles:
- Tackling the root causes of poverty.
- Creating solutions with long-lasting, meaningful impact.
- Delivering immediate and sustainable income.
How It Works
When you empower a woman, you empower an entire community. Women reinvest 90% of their earnings into their families, strengthening the foundation of society. The LIFT model transforms a single contribution into a catalyst for lasting change, helping women build sustainable businesses that provide for their families’ needs—from food and shelter to education and beyond.
Here’s how we make it happen: Every woman’s journey begins with a conversation. Our team sits down with her to uncover her unique strengths, skills, and passions. Together, they design a business plan tailored to her goals and aspirations. From there, we provide the training, tools, and resources she needs to succeed. Whether it’s setting up a shop, running a kiosk, or starting an online business, we stand by her side every step of the way, offering guidance and support whenever she needs it.
Proven Success Stories
Somalia: Thriving Retail Kiosks
Picture a woman in Somalia, once struggling to feed her children, now standing proudly beside her vibrant retail kiosk. Built with durable materials and stocked with essential goods, these kiosks provide immediate income and stability. Women choose their kiosks’ locations, often near their homes, allowing them to care for their dependents while running their businesses. Over time, many women have expanded their kiosks, adding more products and increasing profits. With an investment of just £800 per woman, these kiosks have achieved a 100% success rate, proving that empowerment is not just possible—it’s inevitable.
Pakistan: Turning Dreams Into Reality
In Pakistan, every woman’s dream becomes a blueprint for success. Some open beauty parlors, while others start online trading ventures or even butcheries. One woman’s hands that once held nothing now hold the keys to her shop—a symbol of independence and hope. Our team collaborates with each woman to design a custom business plan, provides training, and accompanies her through every milestone. The result? Thriving businesses that transform lives and restore dignity, one woman at a time.
Bangladesh: Shops that Transform Lives
In Bangladesh, Asiya Begum’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. A young mother forced to provide for her family after enduring years of hardship, Asiya dared to dream of owning a shop. With our support, she received training in managing profits and losses, and her store was fully stocked. Today, Asiya not only provides for her family but also saves for her child’s future. For just £1,000, this life-changing transformation became a reality. Her journey is proof that small investments can spark monumental change.
A Vision for Global Change
Now, close your eyes and imagine a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive. A world where no one’s dignity is compromised by poverty, and every family can look forward to a brighter tomorrow. By empowering women to achieve economic independence, we are not just changing individual lives—we are reshaping communities, nations, and futures.
Every step a woman takes toward empowerment ripples through her family and community, creating a legacy of hope and progress. This change is made possible because of people like you. Together, we can unlock the potential within these women, giving them the tools to build sustainable futures and transforming generations to come. This is not just a movement; it’s a revolution—and you are a part of it.
