In a quiet corner of the bustling city, where the sunlight dances through the leaves and time seems to linger, lives Maureen – a mother and grandmother with an unwavering spirit that could move mountains. Her life had always been filled with the routine of a receptionist at a local office, a job that paid the bills and kept life going. But life has a way of surprising even the most steadfast of us.
One fateful day, the rhythm of her life took an unexpected twist. The office doors that had warmly welcomed her every day for years had now closed. Maureen was made redundant, and as a widow responsible for her daughter and three grandchildren, she stood at a crossroads. The weight of uncertainty rested heavily on her shoulders, but within her the fire of resilience burnt bright. So many of us have women in our lives like Maureen, single mothers, sole breadwinners, women who are resilient to their core, women who support whole families and communities, and do it all with a smile on their faces.
Maureen's indomitable spirit led her down a path she had never imagined. A path of entrepreneurial opportunity and asset ownership. Maureen, the once receptionist, embarked on a new adventure as a ride-hailing driver.
Enter Moove, an African born global fintech startup offering financial services that help ride-hailing drivers work towards owning their own vehicles. They offer a new vehicle with full vehicle and health insurance, training, repairs, and maintenance. With their support, Maureen's drive-to-own vehicle became more than just a mode of transport, it was a vehicle of transformation. Today, she's at the doorstep of financial freedom and owns a brand new car. Which used to be almost impossible because of low credit scores and financial shortcomings.
We told Maureen's story in a production we did for Moove alongside BBC Storyworks, showcasing the transformative effect of financial freedom on one woman's life. This film highlights the power of providing essential resources to improve lives.
Globally, 1.4 billion adults remain unbanked, and the majority are women. In South Africa only 40% of women and 70% of men have a bank account.
Empowering women financially is vital, especially given these staggering statistics. Initiatives like those provided by Moove play a pivotal role in bridging this gap. By extending opportunities for women to participate in the financial ecosystem, we can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world, fostering economic independence and stability for individuals and communities alike. There are many women in South Africa with a similar story to Maureen who are in desperate situations.
Empowering women through entrepreneurship opportunities is a transformative step towards achieving gender equality and socio-economic progress. By providing women with the tools, knowledge, and resources to start and run their own businesses, we pave the way for a more inclusive society where women can unleash their potential, contribute to the economy, and drive innovation. Entrepreneurship not only offers financial independence but also fosters confidence, leadership, and a sense of purpose, empowering women to overcome traditional barriers and shape their destinies.
Ownership of assets, especially for women, holds paramount importance in securing their wellbeing and that of their families. When women have the means to own assets, it establishes a solid foundation for sustainable growth. Beyond immediate financial benefits, asset ownership serves as a safety net during uncertainties. As women become asset owners, they gain leverage and improved living conditions, thereby strengthening their families. By fostering asset ownership among women, we empower them to create a legacy of prosperity and provide a pathway towards breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Maureen's journey from a receptionist to a resilient ride-hailing entrepreneur exemplifies the transformative impact of empowering women. Her story underscores the significance of providing women with opportunities beyond traditional roles, enabling them to thrive as independent contributors to their families and societies. Through initiatives like Moove, women like Maureen not only gain financial freedom but also acquire the means to drive their own destinies. As Maureen's drive-to-own vehicle became a vehicle of empowerment, her path highlights the importance of fostering entrepreneurship among women, granting them the tools to navigate the road towards self-reliance. This story serves as a powerful reminder that when women are empowered, not only do they flourish individually, but they also inspire entire communities, catalysing positive change that resonates far beyond their own lives.
News From ReWild
We had four teams wrap up productions in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria over the last couple weeks. Well done to everyone!
ReWilder Alessandra and freewilder Tim Van Vuuren head off to Cameroon tomorrow to film the last leg of a 5 part production for Don’t Gas Africa!
ReWilder Mattea and freewilder Zander Botha are heading to Johannesburg next week to tell the story of a water treatment solution for rural areas that uses macadamia nut shells and nanotechnology (!)
ReWilder Sammy Chev has been in Portugal documenting wild horses, restoring land, and incredible landscapes with Rewilding Portugal!
We are busy busy busy at HQ, but as always, so incredibly inspired and in awe of the incredible stories we get the opportunity to tell, and people we meet along the way.
Wild Regards,
Team ReWild Africa