Microfinance: Vietnam

Because I am a girl…
I will save money one day for my children. Just like my mother did for me.

Village Savings and Loans for Women

Vietnam is a country that has developed very quickly over the last 10 years and while a growing number of girls are staying in school, early marriage and teen pregnancy are ongoing concerns. Burdened by the demands of raising their children and without the means to earn an income, these young mothers can end up trapped in a cycle of poverty with little hope of creating a better life.

Following in the footsteps of our success in the impoverished Da Krong district, we’re partnering with the Vietnam Women’s Union to set up Village Savings and Loan Associations in two of the poorest provinces in central Vietnam: Quang Tri and Quang Binh. Different from traditional microcredit (which focuses solely on lending), Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) give women and girls the opportunity to save money for the first time in their lives.

Each association controls their own funds, with members being able to borrow small amounts of capital to help them start a business, buy school uniforms, or feed their families. This newfound financial security comes a tremendous sense of empowerment. Over time, the community starts to see these women and girls as valuable contributors to their households rather than financial burdens.

Join us in supporting the Village Savings and Loans for Women Project in Vietnam by donating today.
Read the latest project update.
Learn how you can get involved.
Find project updates from the field at the Because I am a Girl Blog.