Our Model
A Model Born from Dignity, Not Dependency
Standard Models
Standard charity models revolve around providing food, medicine, shelter, educational aid etc. All these aid streams require constant feeding of donor capital in order to maintain them. This makes women dependent which could compromise their dignity. Month after month the same person and same causes are drip fed donations collected from the donors. The problem with this model is that it can and will create donor fatigue and it also puts the welfare of the recipient at risk by making them vulnerable on handouts and this not the best strategy and use of funds.
Survival Vs Basic Needs
Dependency negatively effects self-worth, in self-esteem and confidence to impact the individual to make a change. Research shows that women in Somalia, Malawi, Bangladeshi, Pakistan and India will do a full day’s work for less than $2, simply trying to feed their family and provide a safe shelter. $2 is just enough to buy just one very basic meal. As the woman of the house struggles to support her family, the pressure is often passed on to the children who in most cases will take to the streets looking for opportunities to make quick money. This can result in child labor and child prostitution.
‘LIFT’ Leveraging Investment For Transformation
The LIFT model developed by Forgotten Women differs from standard charity models because it is designed, with three important factors:
1. Tackle problems at their root cause
2. Devise solutions to achieve maximum and long term impact
3. Provide immediate income
How It Works
Investing in a woman is the fastest way to end poverty, a woman will invest 90% of her money back in to her family and community because she is the backbone of society. Our LIFT model can take a single donation to train and transform a woman to stand on her feet so that she can generate an income which in turn means she can then take care of providing food, shelter and education. Our Model addresses the root cause by tackling poverty and economic issues faced by women.
A one-off intervention will go towards a fully functioning business setup including necessary up-skilling and training. Every woman has a different skill set and passion, this is why it is important and part of a successful project construct that the team sit with each beneficiary and let her draw up her own business plan. We evaluate and cost the business and create a profit forecast. We will then give training on how to handle the particular business and accompany each woman to buy her business components. Support and guidance are always provided as and when the women need it.
Tried, Tested, and Transformational
The LIFT model has been implemented successfully in Somalia, Malawi, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Achieving a 100% success rate of women earning income from day one. In Somalia, for example, women were provided with fully stocked retail kiosks. Metal and timber structures (2.5m x 1.5m x 2.5m) painted in colours they chose, placed near their homes for safety and accessibility. Each kiosk cost around £800 to establish and began generating income immediately through sales of essential groceries and household goods. Within six months, many women had expanded their businesses, increased their product range, and started employing others, turning beneficiaries into business owners. These are not short-term fixes. They are long-term transformations built on dignity, not dependency.
Our model goes beyond economic empowerment. It restores confidence, control, and choice. A woman who earns can feed her family, educate her children, access healthcare, and live free from exploitation. Each investment uplifts not just one life, but many. Because when a woman rises, her family rises with her and her community follows. Our vision is simple: To create a world where every woman has the opportunity to live free from humiliation, poverty, and abuse. Where she can preserve her dignity, health, and independence for life. Because true charity doesn’t keep her surviving. It helps her thrive.