Why Invest In Women?

"When more women work, economies grow. An increase in female labour force participation—or a reduction in the gap between women’s and men’s labour force participation—results in faster economic growth." - UN Women

UN Women says that when more women work, economies grow. By increasing the female labour force participation-or a reduction in the gap between women's and men's labour force participation-results in faster economic growth. Watch and learn what The Village Link is doing in rural Sierra Leone to break the cycle of poverty and improve economic opportunity and education for women and girls in the village of Golu.

"Evidence from a range of countries shows that increasing the share of household income controlled by women, either through their own earnings or cash transfers, changes spending in ways that benefit children." - UN Women

Mariam participated in TVL's entrepreneurial mentorship program. Today she has her own used clothing store. She also purchases palm oil from local farmers in Golu to resell in the Bo market. She's passionate about business and feels proud to be able… — Mariam participated in TVL's entrepreneurial mentorship program. Today she has her own used clothing store. She also purchases palm oil from local farmers in Golu to resell in the Bo market. She's passionate about business and feels proud to be able to help support her family.

"It is calculated that women could increase their income globally by up to 76 per cent if the employment participation gap and the wage gap between women and men were closed. This is calculated to have a global value of USD 17 trillion." - UN Women

In an effort to improve rural economic development, we are expanding our digital literacy program to include a female only class taught by a female. This program will give women the opportunity to learn in a safe, empowering and encouraging environm… — In an effort to improve rural economic development, we are expanding our digital literacy program to include a female only class taught by a female. This program will give women the opportunity to learn in a safe, empowering and encouraging environment.

Hassanatu Fillie, female micro-financing recipient on her way to the market.

Women's Micro-financing

Pilot Program

In 2016, TVL conducted a pilot program for micro-financing within a select group of women in the village of Golu. The result yielded more impact than expected.

Hassanatu Fillie is one of the recipients of our micro-financing pilot program and we're delighted to report that our $60 investment has successfully turned into a small business. Each week Hassanatu makes and sells soap and popular street desserts called "King Driver" cakes at the local market. Each week she is able to make enough to feed herself and family. Owning her own small business makes her feel independent and happier knowing that she can not only provide for her family but she doesn't have to rely on anyone else to help her family gain access to basic needs.

Hassanatu Fillie, a woman from rural Sierra Leone received micro-financing from 501(c)3 The Village Link to start a small business making soap as another form of income for her and her family. Week over week she is able to make enough income to feed her self and family.

Sponsor a woman

Are you interested in sponsoring a woman or young girl in Golu? If so, get in touch with us and we'll let you know how.