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| WIA Member Adela Gonzalez |
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| Vending at the street lights |
Compas de Nicaragua's micro-lending program has helped Women in Action take small steps towards economic independence. It
has also taught them about managing a business and given them more self confidence.
Why are the loans successful?
As mostly single, impoverished mothers, WIA have a sincere desire to build a better life for themselves. They know that
the loans offer an important opportunity and they are committed to making the most of them. Most of the women were already
involved in some kind of small enterprise, like vending on the street. Therefore, they have a good business sense. The loans
allow them to diversify, be creative, and buy products in bulk.
While Women in Action must work for everything that they receive through the project, with the micro-lending program,
the women must give back what they have borrowed. Given the women are all members of WIA and that most live in the same settlement,
there is a great deal of social pressure not to default. This helps ensure a high repayment rate.
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