Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
Women Empowered (WE) is a savings and lending group initiative that equips women with the tools to build financial independence, strengthen leadership skills, and foster collective action. Implemented by Global Communities across Latin America and Africa since 2009, WE is designed to meet women where they are—whether recovering from crisis, launching small businesses, or leading health and education efforts in their communities. The program is rooted in trust, collaboration, and practical training, helping women turn aspirations into action.
In countries like Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Madagascar, WE groups are not only saving and lending money—they’re building resilience. Members are using their platforms to promote maternal and child health, improve sanitation, and even construct classrooms. In Ethiopia, over 3,140 groups have been formed, with members opening bank accounts and transitioning to digital savings. In Guatemala, WE members are leading efforts to recover livelihoods through cash transfers and mentorship, while also supporting nutrition and hygiene programs for mothers and children.
WE’s impact is both broad and deep. In Honduras, the program has supported households affected by disasters such as flooding and displacement by providing seed capital for small businesses. In Madagascar, WE groups have tackled sanitation challenges and initiated literacy training, demonstrating how women can lead community development when given the right support. Across all regions, Global Communities has reached more than 400,000 people in over 18,700 WE groups, fostering a sense of ownership and self-reliance, encouraging women to take charge of their financial and social futures well beyond the time of our work with them – with one study showing 90% of groups still active two years after formation.
Training through the Women Empowered initiative is designed to be accessible and impactful, equipping participants with essential life and business skills that lead to lasting transformation. WE members report increased self-esteem, stronger community ties, and a renewed sense of agency. As Global Communities expands WE into new regions and deepens its research on program sustainability, we invite partners to join us in scaling this powerful movement.
Together, we can invest in women as catalysts for change—unlocking potential, strengthening families, and building more resilient communities.