Life is much more manageable after joining our savings club, says Janeth Pitakanji.
Mrs Pitakanji is the president of Zone 3 women of Gizo, Western province who have joined the savings club since last year.
With more than 160 members, Zone 3 holds the largest and growing membership with a total contribution in savings of more than $30,000.
“Before joining the club I found it very hard as a mother who lives in the rural area trying to cope with the demand of school fees, transport costs, food, household goods etc. But today I can confidently achieve my goals because my savings has given me the confidence and enables me to achieve my goals,” Mrs Pitakanji said.
Zone 3 consists of communities of Voruku to Leoko in Gizo.
Mrs Pitakanji said the savings club really benefited them especially whenever they need money because they don’t have to go to the banks or ask wantoks or their husbands for what they need.
“Having little of what we earn from our market sales and save it is a new skill that though small but over time we have seen its benefits. It enables us women to have the economic power to get what we want,” Mrs Pitakanji said.
She said the vision of their zone is to see their savings grow to support them and their families in the future.
The Zone 3 president encourages other women in their area to join such scheme because it will help women to take control of their needs and manage their families well.
“Although some women see the savings scheme as scam, I continue to encourage them to understand and be part of our community. They should have seen that the savings club have already changed women’s lives for the better and improve their livelihoods overtime.
“As they can manage their families with much ease than before,” Mrs Pitakanji said.
She said the aim of their zone now is to increase the number of membership and saving to rise up to $100,000 by 2015.
By Daniel Namosuaia
