Unlocking Daw Win Myint’s decision-making power through collective savings
Daw Win Myint is a typical housewife living in a small village near Magway Township. Her husband, the only one family’s breadwinner, takes on occasional odd jobs such as day wage labour and seasonal work, however, his income is inconsistent and insufficient to fully support the family’s needs.
“In response to the family's financial difficulties, I considered ways to generate additional income and expressed my interest in pursuing small-scale, home-based income-generating activities. However, my husband discouraged me from working outside the home, citing concerns that employment would interfere with domestic responsibilities and childcare. As a result, I remained quiet despite my desire to contribute financially” - Daw Win Myint explains.
A lack of support and deeply ingrained traditional gender expectations have prevented her from taking the first step. Daw Win Myint's situation reflects the broader challenges faced by many rural women in Myanmar. Without supportive systems and a shift in societal attitudes, women remain excluded from opportunities that could alleviate poverty and improve household resilience.
One day, Daw Win Myint was invited by her friends to join a women’s savings and credit group facilitated by FAO Myanmar. The group not only promoted regular saving habits and access to small-scale credit but also offered comprehensive women’s empowerment training. This included financial literacy, basic numeracy, digital skills, and small business management—all designed to enhance women's economic participation and strengthen their roles within the community.
“At first, I hesitated to join, as I had no income of my own and had always relied on my husband for financial matters. Encouraged by her peers, I finally decided to give a try—starting with a modest contribution of just 1 000 kyats per week”, she recalls.
The savings group met weekly to collect members’ contributions and decide which members could access small loans for income generation, children’s education, or health care needs. Loans were provided on a rotating basis and repaid in manageable instillments. Over time, Daw Win Myint began to feel a growing sense of empowerment. Despite not having a formal job, she was able to save regularly and contribute meaningfully to her household’s financial stability.
Eventually, I took my first loan from the group to start a small vegetable tempura business. “I opened my shop in the evenings, so I could still take care of my household chores and childcare,” she explained. The income was modest at first, but it boosted my confidence and over time encouraged my husband to support my efforts. Seeing the potential, we decided to reinvest our profits and gradually expand the business – she smiles.
Today, I earn an average daily net profit of 15 000 MMK (approximately USD 3.40)—a significant improvement compared to local daily wages. For the first time, I feel financially secured and less worried about my family’s food needs.
Her story is more than personal success—it demonstrates how the Women’s Savings and Credit Scheme empowers women, strengthens decision-making, and supports FAO’s Strategic Framework aspiration of “Better Life.”