Mary calls villagers and invites them for a savings group meeting. There are no banks or roads near the village. But that won’t stop her in women’s economic empowerment.

Group members gather under a tree. They record their savings and then deposit it into a secure bank account using cell phone technology.

Members can view their account balances, apply for, and receive loans on their phones.

Hamida is the treasurer for her group. She records contributions in a log book before entering the information into her phone.

Salome uses a loan to build a sewing business. She keeps her profits in her phone, so that her earnings are secure.

Agany uses his phone to order more stock for his pharmacy. His shop is the main source of life-saving drugs for thousands in his community.

John connects his phone to a solar power station. He installed solar electricity in his shop through a loan on his phone.

Miriam receives tips on farming, weather, and learns the best time to plant.

Lillian uses her phone to send money across the country so that her mother can pay for hospital treatment.

Deborah uses her phone to send money to the local school for her daughter’s tuition.

A local facilitator monitors group savings and progress. She calls members and plans to visit them at their businesses. She encourages others and helps them succeed.