In the village of Busalam, Luuka District, Musasizi Kevin, a 42-year-old single mother of two, has defied the odds to build a life of resilience and independence. Living with a physical disability, Kevin faced numerous challenges in providing for her children, relying primarily on small-scale farming to make ends meet. But everything changed when she became a beneficiary of IDIWA’s livelihood project.

Through the project, Kevin received a startup fund of 170,000 Ugandan shillings, which she used to establish a small retail shop in her village. With careful planning and dedication, she managed to keep the shop running, providing essential goods to her community. Seeing her potential and determination, IDIWA SACCO extended additional financial support, allowing her to restock and expand her business further.

Her journey did not stop there. Recognizing the need for sustainable income sources, IDIWA also provided Kevin with two goats, a gift that would prove invaluable in securing her financial future. Over time, the goats multiplied, giving her a steady source of income when she exchanged some for a cow and livestock sales. With this additional financial boost, Kevin could now afford to provide for her children’s education and meet other household needs with ease.

Beyond financial support, Kevin also participated in IDIWA’s human rights and business management trainings. These sessions opened her eyes to her rights as a woman and a person with a disability, empowering her to stand up against discrimination and advocate for equal opportunities. The business training equipped her with crucial skills in budgeting, customer relations, and financial planning, enabling her to run her shop more effectively.

For Kevin, this was her turning point. From struggling to make ends meet to becoming a thriving businesswoman, her story is a testament to the transformative power of economic empowerment. Today, she is not only financially independent but also a source of inspiration for other women and girls with disabilities in her community. She continues to mentor and encourage them, proving that with the right support and determination, success is possible.

Kevin’s journey reflects the impact of inclusive development initiatives, showing that when women and persons with disabilities are empowered, entire communities flourish. With her shop thriving and her livestock business growing, she now dreams of expanding her business further and ensuring that her children have a bright future ahead.