Working together on
microfinance and microinsurance
microfinance and microinsurance
Inside a small box can lie a powerful story. From Ecuador to Uganda, from the Philippines to Senegal, women are building their futures with skill, determination, and resilience. Thanks to the support of their savings and credit cooperatives, their ideas have the opportunity to grow and thrive. Discover the stories behind each object and get to know the people who make them.
Artisan – Ecuador
Client of the Hermes Gaibor Savings and Credit Cooperative
Claudia Rodriguez Zeballos from Ecuador creates handmade earrings from mate, the fruit of the calabash tree. This natural material is lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for unique handcrafted pieces. After harvesting, the mate is carefully cut, sanded, and prepared. Claudia then hand-paints each piece with vibrant acrylic colors and finishes it with a protective varnish. The result is a durable and comfortable piece of jewelry that can be worn throughout the day.
Discover how Claudia is expanding her craft business while supporting her family
Entrepreneur – Fort Portal Region, Uganda
Member of Hofokam Ltd (microfinance institution)
Margaret Kobusinge runs Maria Craft and Card Shop in Fort Portal, Uganda. Together with women’s groups from the surrounding villages, she sells colorful handmade keychains crafted from beads, thread, synthetic leather, and metal rings. Each keychain is carefully assembled by hand and finished into a durable and practical product that is soft to the touch and easy to carry.
Read how these keychains create opportunities for over 500 women
Entrepreneur – Philippines
Member of Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative, Sorsogon
Maria P. Espenida from the Philippines creates handmade keychains from abaca fiber, a strong and natural material obtained from a species of banana plant. Her creations are miniature replicas of traditional Filipino objects, such as slippers, fans (abaniko), and farmers’ hats. Each piece is entirely handcrafted, without the use of machines, and reflects authentic craftsmanship and respect for nature.
Read how Maria converts creativity into opportunities for her familly
Trader and Artisan – Senegal
Member of U-IMCEC, Dakar (Liberté 6 branch), since 2019 through a GIE and as an individual member since 2026
Ndeye Farma Gueye from Senegal creates and sells handmade decorative crafts such as magnets, sand paintings, and keychains. Her creations are made using beads and colorful wax fabrics, materials that are deeply rooted in local culture and give each piece its own unique character. Every step of the process is carried out by hand, from designing and assembling the pieces to the final finishing touches, with great attention to detail and authenticity.
Discover the full story behind Ndeye’s handcrafted creations.
