Francinah Tharape

In the lessons I attended I learnt about starting small business and how to grow the business to the level I want. I have knowledge on the importance of doing a business plan before starting the business. It was amazing to know that I need to be unique even if my business is similar it still has to be different.I started attending Gender Links workshops in 2014 and attended all the trainings including the one on abuse. I found all the topics very important and I am inspired to start my business. The bit that I found complicated to do was the cash flow but I managed with the help of the facilitator. I had no business and never thought of having one, but now I have gone to the social workers to seek assistance in starting up my own business. I now eagerly wait for the outcomes of my assessment. In the meantime I have been selected to go for further business training courtesy of the council.I had suffered abuse from my partner, I no longer experience abuse as I took the bold step and left the relationship. I am not involved with any man at the moment and this has made me realise that I can be independent. I help other people in my community who have suffered similar fate of abuse. My life has changed a lot and I am now a happier person and no longer look down upon myself. I am now able to work temporary jobs offered by Government. I freely associate with others. I realise that financial freedom can set anyone free and reduce abuse in one’s life.I have now taken it upon myself to teach other women what I have learnt. Whenever there are gatherings I encourage them to be on the lookout for opportunities that may avail themselves such as what I got with GL. We have various organisations which people can be part of, they should not have low self-esteem or give up on life. I want to continue furthering my education and be specific to the business I want to start. By 2030 I want to be a business woman who will be recognised in my region. I want to employ many women.