During the time of the pandemic, rural Zambian women have been hit the hardest. Prior to the pandemic, the global poverty rate for women was expected to decrease by 2.7%, but instead, it was risen by over 9.1%. This year, the total number of women and girls living on less than $1.90 is forecast to increase to 435 million, with World Bank projections showing that this number will not revert to pre-pandemic levels until 2030.

The primary reason for this is the eradication of many blue-collar jobs, which could not withstand going virtual, particularly in regions with poor access to wifi/technology.

This impacts the educational opportunities that women face — increased poverty is directly correlated with increased child marriages  This means that increased financial independence for women not only helps to keep them afloat, but also helps them continue on their educational paths long term, without fear of having to resort to child marriage. 

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In this initiaitve, JMA partnered with Eagles of Change Zambia, and financially supported a dozen young Zambian women to learn essential technical weaving skills to designa nd create doormats, clothes, and other necessities. By financially sponsoring these women to learn these important skills, JMA empowered them to be able to create and sell their own products, and be financially independent over the pandemic. 

 To help support initiatives like these, please consider donating so we can continue to help supporting high need populatiosn around the world sustainably!