Women all over the world remain vulnerable to poverty and exploitation. Owing to a history of gender discrimination, they are less likely to find work than men and often end up as low-wage workers. Moreover, women are less likely to have formal financial accounts through which they can access loans and establish savings.

Unfortunately, the financial situation is much worse for women in rural communities, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa. Rural women earn way less than men, and they often have limited access to income compared to urban women.

In rural Kenya, for example, loan programmes or jobs with decent wages are hard to come by, and women spend long hours doing menial household work like collecting water and firewood. Those working in agriculture do not even have a claim to the land they till. Ultimately, the situation deprives women of the option to make worthwhile investments using their earnings.

Through micro-credit, women are able to launch their own small business in agriculture and beyond. As they become financially independent, women are able to enhance their families’ livelihoods and contribute to improved standards of living. All these, in turn, bring positive changes to their communities and help sustain existing efforts in wildlife conservation.