Zeinab, Egypt

   

When Zeinab’s husband fell ill, microfinance was the ticket to her family’s survival.

With her first loan of 250 EGP (US$46), Zeinab started her business making wooden pots, crafts, and kitchen supplies. Now, she runs her own workshop from her home with three of her children. Zeinab’s most recent loan was for 4000 EGP (US$735), an amount that makes her beam with pride.  “This is more than any government officer gets in two months,” she laughs.