As part of the Mobile Financial Services for Women program, we recently trained 388 women entrepreneurs as mobile banking agents in Lagos State, Nigeria.
This not only gives a boost to the women entrepreneurs, but also their entire community. The women as mobile banking agents will offer branchless banking services as part of this program to people in their community, who otherwise won’t have access to basic financial services.
The women in this program are hardworking, resilient people who seek better lives for their families, particularly their children, and they were all excited that their work as banking agents will help them better provide for their family. And serve their community as an added bonus!
Meet some of the women entrepreneurs:
“I run a hair salon in the toll gate area of Lagos. Because of poor electricity supply, I’ve had difficulties running my business. I’m so excited that I’ll be supplementing my income with my work as a banking agent — offering banking services doesn’t require electricity after all!”
“I run a supermarket and am good friends with most people in the neighborhood (they always come buy stuff at my store!). So I think I’m in a good position to offer banking services, and I’m happy that I can further serve my community.”
“I’m a native doctor (I sell local herbs) and the business is doing well. I’m the only one in this line of business in my area, so it’s popular particularly among mothers. I’m excited my work as a mobile banking agent will bring more income, and I’m thankful I can better provide for my family.”
“Although I don’t have a formal educational background in Pharmacy, I studied the subject independently and now I run a successful pharmacy store (yes, I had to work hard for this!) I feel like I’m well-respected in my community because of my business, so I feel that I’m in a great position to offer banking services to people in my community!”
“I opened a beauty store to help supplement my husband’s income. Unfortunately, the business hasn’t been doing as well as I hoped for, but I’m hopeful that my work as a banking agent will provide additional income for my family.”
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Ibukun Oluwalowo is writing from YTF in Nigeria where she is a Master Trainer. In this role she partners with the women entrepreneurs YTF works with to equip them with entrepreneurship and financial capabilities skills. Educated as a social worker, Ibukun enjoys tackling issues that affect women and children because they are most vulnerable in any society.
