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Port Sudan women's groups |
Port Sudan is a city of contrasts. On
the one hand, the large industrial port
has fuelled economic growth and urban
development. But on the edges of the
city, many communities still live in
poverty, with little access to basic
services such as education, water and
healthcare. Over the past two decades,
many families from all over Sudan have
fled war, poverty and drought, and
arrived in Port Sudan in search of a
better life. Good jobs are scarce and
competition is high. Many families have
difficulty earning an income.
Oxfam works with community-based
women’s associations in some of the
poorest and most neglected
neighbourhoods – supporting the women in
small but significant ways that can help
them generate income. The associations
make small loans to help women set up
local businesses or improve their family
home; they provide training in
vocational activities, business skills
and literacy; and they act as a vital
support network for families struggling
to get by. Much of the extra income
women are able to make as a result is
spent on providing education and
healthcare for their children.
Awadya Deen helps distribute loans for
one of the associations: “Nearly all the
loans have been successful. Nine times
out of ten, it’s shown that if we give a
woman a loan, the situation of her and
her family will significantly improve.
It really is that simple.”
Photos: Alun McDonald/Oxfam
21 photos | 336 views
items are from between 17 Dec 2008 & 13 Jan 2009.