Ombokoro Parish Women Empowered to Build Economic Resilience Through Financial Literacy

For generations, financial management has remained a challenge for many in these communities, particularly for women who often bear the brunt of economic hardships

Women in Ombokoro Parish, Ajia Sub County, Arua District are registering positive results in a groundbreaking initiative by Save the Children with funding from the World Food Program, the Government of Uganda, and Sweden, aimed at fostering their economic resilience. These are being equipped with the skills to manage their finances effectively to take control of their financial futures through education in budgeting, savings, and investments.

For generations, financial management has remained a challenge for many in these communities, particularly for women who often bear the brunt of economic hardships. Recognizing this gap, the WPF and Save the Children under the NutriCash program combine monthly cash-based transfers with comprehensive financial literacy training to provide both immediate relief and long-term stability to the vulnerable poor.

We visited a Household Support Group called Aliofu- Anyakua Savings Group in Ombokoro Village, Ombokoro Parish, Ajia Sub County, Arua District where over 30 women are beneficiaries of the monthly cash-based transfer system which provides an immediate cushion for teenage parents and other families facing economic challenges. The accompanying financial training ensures that the money given under NutriCash is utilized wisely. 

Asia Muzu Winnie, the lead mother of this group says that the participants are taught to allocate these funds toward essentials, savings, and small-scale investments, thereby maximizing their impact.

“Since I joined this program, I now know how to budget my money and these days I know how to save my money. How I do that that is, I get part of it, I save it, I use the rest to buy the basic needs and food for my baby. Now, I not only save but also make small investments to support my family. It has changed my life.” Asia said.

“I nowadays use the money rightly, before I joined, I didn’t know how to budget, I would use my money anyhow, also I mind my child’s nutrition” Driwalu Monica, a lead mother for Alia-seko savings group

Driwalu Monica, a lead mother for Alia-seko savings group Ombizoko Village, Ombokoro Parish Ajia Sub County, says by addressing underlying attitudes and behaviors around money management, the initiative has enabled members of her group to shift from a mindset of survival to one of sustainability. She adds that the monthly training sessions emphasize practical skills, such as creating household budgets, setting financial goals, taking up loans, and exploring income-generating opportunities.

“These activities have not only improved individual households but also strengthened the economic fabric of our households and the entire community,” Driwalu added.

She says that women who once struggled to make ends meet are now charting their paths toward economic independence. With each step, they are not only improving their lives but also inspiring future generations to do the same.