The story of Antoinette
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT LOAN PROGRAM
We are honored to share the transformative experiences of these women, who have benefited greatly from the financial assistance provided by Friends & Bikers. The initiative has not only empowered them economically but also improved their families’ overall well-being and access to basic needs. Below, they recount their journeys before and after receiving the loans, emphasizing the profound impact of this support.
“My name is N’TCHA Antoinette. I am a mother of three children, and life used to be a constant struggle for my family and me. My husband and I worked tirelessly to provide for our children, but it never seemed to be enough. For years, I felt lost, not knowing what to sell or how to stabilize our lives.
I tried various small businesses—selling donuts, provisions, and other goods—but they were far from profitable. At times, I had to sell the small provisions we had at home for our own meals, leaving us with nothing to eat. On more than one occasion, my husband had to sell our goats to pay for medical expenses when the children fell ill. However, even that wasn’t sufficient.
When I received the loan from Friends & Bikers NGO, my life changed dramatically. With the profits from the loan, I was able to buy my children’s school supplies for the first time without worrying about where the next meal would come from. The loan has ensured that my husband and I no longer need to sell our provisions or goats to make ends meet, saving us from falling into famine.
I now run a small business selling cakes, baobab grains, and peanuts. The income from this business has given us stability, and I am immensely grateful to the kind people behind this initiative. If they lived among us, we women would visit their homes every morning to express our gratitude.
Beyond the loan, the NGO has also transformed our lives with the installation of a water pump. Before, fetching water meant walking miles to neighboring areas, causing our children to be late
for school. Now, everyone can access water easily and on time. This has saved us precious time and energy and significantly improved our quality of life.
My husband continues to support me whenever I face financial challenges. For instance, when I run out of money during hospital visits or cannot meet all the children’s school expenses, he steps in to help. This combined support has allowed me to build a better future for my family.”