Saida Juma is a 35-year-old divorced woman who has 2 children. She is living with her elderly parents so that she can take care of them along with her children. Her children are both in primary school. When she was introduced to microfinancing opportunities by a BUWEA member, she was working as a maid in the neighboring village of Katerero, getting about TZS 10,000, the equivalent of $5.00 a month.
Saida became a member of BUWEA in 2015 and had an interest in selling fish. She took her first loan of TZS 100,000 (About $50 US) to buy fish from the fisherman who fished from the lake. She has been able to sell her fish and earn enough money to continue sending her children to school as well as take care of her sick parents, ensuring they receive medical care when needed.
Saida plans to take out another loan, this time for $100 US to grow her business. Her goal is to expand her kiosk and to acquire a fridge to preserve unsold fish. Her dream is for her children to become well educated and to inherit her business when she is ready to retire. She hopes the business grows to be the biggest in the area. She is also inspiring other divorced women, letting them know that they, themselves, can take care of their families.
Saida Juma is so grateful for BUWEA and all the funders who are supporting the efforts of women.