Money makes the world go around - and just a small amount has made a difference to the lives of three women in Myanmar.
Cing Din Nuam, a weaver who's business has been supported by microfinance. Photo: Supplied
Microfinance is based around the idea that a small amount of money can help lift someone out of poverty.
“The impact it has is huge. Microfinance isn’t a new thing it’s been around for 40 years or so but what we’ve seen is that people can take that capital and it empowers them to improve their own lives. It’s something that is a catalyst to change,” says Aotearoa Development Cooperative executive director Zac Colborne.
ADC is a small charity that gives small loans to impoverished women in Myanmar who are trying to improve their lives by expanding or starting small businesses. Most of their customers are women.
The businesses they fund are usually small shops, selling food or vegetation, and handmade goods.
Once the loan is repaid, the person can upgrade the loan amount they take. The loans are usually for a six month period. A microloan can start at NZ$250 NZD. These loans come with no collateral, which means if the loan isn’t repaid, ADC won’t take your home away from you as a forfeit payment.
ADC’s work is the subject of the documentary On The Backs Of Women. The film follows three women who each live in poverty. One of the women in the documentary is a cancer survivor trying to provide an education for her son, while another has been disowned by her family because of an interracial marriage to a husband who assaulted her.
Women in Myanmar are particularly disadvantaged when it comes to loaning and borrowing money from the bank, says Zac.
“Generally being in poverty is the biggest barrier. They have low incomes, they have little capital or collateral. They can’t access formal financial facilities. Because they’re needing such small amounts, it’s perceived to be not worth it. Microfinance has turned that on it’s head and decided the poor are bankable!”
When the women saw the completed documentary they were ecstatic and it was absolutely heart warming, says Colbourne. He flew over with the film and played it to them.
“One woman turned around and said ‘I may never travel in my lifetime, but I hope that my story goes around the world, and that’s how I’ll travel’ - and that was just such an inspiring thought.”
On The Backs Of Women will screen at the DocEdge film festival, which is being held in Wellington 7-12 May and in Auckland 19-21 May.
