Gloria Echeme is my name, I’m 31 years, married with 2 children, I run an Agro-produce Supplier Business in CERELENO Gulu Town, dealing in buying agro from my fellow women farmers from the villages and sell to town and near by markets.

I joined WGEF 4 years and my group of 5 members received training in business management and a loan of $220 which we used to start our small businesses selling produce in main market. As my business grew up I expanded to reach more available markets around the region. I now supply in all regions including S. Sudan. Every week I supply 17 tones of goods (beans, Maize, G-nutes) to S.Sudan, my business has become so important as it links the farmers and the market helping many women to exploit the opportunities available, and encouraging them to invest in agriculture to feed the region.

My business supports my family, making sure my children get educated, feed well and plan for better future.  I feel empowered and proud to be the link between agro farmers (Women) and the market support my region during this periods of time, I’m committed to continue grow my business and all is possible with technical and financial support from WGEF

Thank you WGEF is my family I love the program– Gloria

To support the many women, like Gloria, who participate in WGEF programs, please consider a contribution on Colorado Gives Day. You can schedule your gift now for Colorado’s annual day of giving on December 6, 2016.

Read more stories from Women’s Global clients here.

#StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8822616 for your holiday gifts and Amazon donates 0.5% to Women’s Global Empowerment Fund.

Access to Justice Initiative Update

WGEF’s Access to Justice Initiative seeks to address violence against women, gender bias, inequality and gaps in the justice chain for women, this initiative strives to provide the critical information and resources, enabling women to know their legal and human rights within the justice system.

This week, WGEF staff conducted a 2-day refresher training to better equip 10 champions to address the issues they face. These challenges include navigating the legal system, domestic violence, and accessing land rights. The training provides skills in self-care, debate, adequate reporting, listening, and how to work with victims. The participants also focus on prevention and how to share what they’ve learned with other community members.

Akello Grace and Founder Karen Sugar, speak at Urban Decay’s National Sales Meeting to enthusiastic audience and a commitment to WGEF and our program. Wende Zomnir, CEO and UD Directors, staff were able to learn and here from Grace how their support is creating opportunities for women and families in northern Uganda is meaningful and important ways.

Grace also got to see the ocean for the first time! What an amazing moment – we’re so honored to share this with her.

Field Report, June 2016: Never Underestimate Any Small Actions

My tears of joy rolled down, my heart beat Firstar as I visited Florence today. Her warm welcome and embracing me with a real hug was enough to explain her feeling, she said:

“I have kept this gift for you for so long you gave me the means, you made me hopeful again, you made me feel important and helped get a position in my community, you made me realize my resources. The training and small amount money you borrowed me has changed my life I will never forget you”

Florence is among many amazing women that we support. I stayed in their village for 3 days, trained them in business skills and provided them with micro loans for their agro business. Then she had no food, no business and livestock but she had her family land. After harvests now she has 6 hectares of sim sim, 2 hectares of cassava 10 goats, 19 chickens. She is able to educate her children. I’m very lucky to have worked with Florence and many other women on their journey to get out poverty and I do this with a team of committed individuals, here in Gulu and with you, this achievement is for all of us.