Siga’s main objective is to break the cycle of poverty for women at the lowest economic levels by providing them with the resources, education, and support they need to thrive. Just as a seed needs nurturing to grow into a strong and fruitful plant, we nurture the dreams and capabilities of women who have been trapped in poverty, helping them to build a sustainable and prosperous future.

The approach of Siga Women Foundation is centered on four main programs: education and skill development, economic empowerment, community support and mentorship, and advocacy and awareness. We offer comprehensive training programs that equip women with practical skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship knowledge. By learning new trades and crafts, women can generate income and gain financial independence. Siga Women also provides access to small interest free capital as well as a proven program for village savings and loans, tools, and materials necessary for women to start their own small businesses. These resources serve as the initial investment in their journey towards economic self-sufficiency. Additionally, we foster a supportive community where women can share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Mentorship from successful female entrepreneurs and professionals helps guide them through their personal and business development. And to close the loop to success, we foster a supportive community where women can share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Mentorship from successful female entrepreneurs and professionals helps guide them through their personal and business development.

• The Problem. Women are the cornerstone of thriving communities. Yet, around the world, countless women lack access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This not only hinders their potential but also weakens the fabric of society as a whole.
• Our Impact. Through our programs, we have seen countless women transform their lives and uplift their families and communities. Women who once struggled to meet their basic needs are now business owners, community leaders, and role models. By sowing the seeds of hope and empowerment, Siga is creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the individual.

The 2023 Impact Report by Siga Women Foundation (SWF) is based on a third-party analysis of data from its Monitoring and Evaluation (MEL) survey, focusing on households of SWF participants surveyed in both 2021 and 2023, particularly on poverty rates and the number of poor people.

In 2023, the MEL survey covered 2,223 individuals living in the households of 397 SWF participants, with 54% being children (ages 0-17), 11% young adults (ages 18-24), 32% adults (ages 25-64), and 3% elderly adults (ages 65 and older).

The analysis reveals significant poverty reduction attributable to SWF's programs. For instance, the poverty rate decreased by 18 percentage points for the $3.20 per-person, per-day line, and by 16 percentage points for the $1.90 line, indicating around 256 and 217 individuals respectively crossing these lines. Even if only a quarter of this improvement is attributed to SWF, it signifies a substantial impact.

Comparing SWF beneficiaries from 2021 to 2023, it's clear that SWF serves the very poor, but its programs have significantly reduced poverty rates. The estimated poverty rate decreased by 20% for $1.90/day and 50% for $3.20/day.

The third-party analyst highlights these reductions as extraordinary, surpassing global standards for poverty reduction rates. Moreover, there has been a remarkable 39% surge in consumption expenditure from 2021 to 2023, amounting to an average of 4,100 Uganda shillings ($1.50) per person per day. This increase has resulted in more households with children attending non-government schools, improved sanitation facilities, a greater frequency of meals per day, and expanded access to technology.

• Our Objectives
  • Education and Skills Development:
    • Offer training programs that equip women with in-demand skills for entrepreneurship
    • Provide access to free primary and secondary education for girls, particularly in underserved communities.
    • Facilitate mentorship programs that connect women with experienced professionals for guidance and support.
  • Economic Empowerment:
    • Offer small interest-free loans and financial literacy training to help women start or expand small businesses.
    • Create business incubators specifically designed to support women-led enterprises.
    • Advocate for fair wages and equal opportunities for women in the workforce.
  • Healthcare and Well-being:
    • Ensure access to affordable and quality healthcare services, including reproductive health education.
    • Address gender-based violence through awareness campaigns, support services, and legal aid.
    • Promote mental health awareness and provide resources for women facing stress or trauma.
  • Social Change and Policy Advocacy:
    • Raise awareness about the root causes of poverty among women and gender inequality.
    • Advocate for policies that promote equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
    • Build partnerships with civil society and governments organisations, businesses, and other NGOs to create a supportive ecosystem for women’s empowerment.
  • Sustainability and Community Building:
    • Empower women to become leaders and decision-makers within their communities.
    • Foster a network of support among women to share resources, experiences, and encouragement.
    • Promote financial independence and savings habits to ensure long-term stability and progress.