From Struggle to Stability: How Financial Discipline Changed Ma Yu Yu Win’s Life
Ma Yu Yu Win, one of the many rural landless women living in a village near the Magway Region is known for her strong financial habits, was able to build her stable income after joining a village level Women’s Savings and Credit Scheme (WSCS) facilitated by FAO Myanmar in early 2024. Through regular savings, access to small loans, and mutual group support, she has taken confident steps toward financial independence, turning limited resources into lasting stability.
She cited “The core principle of the WSCS is consistent saving, which makes our lives better.” She added, ‘’Unlike traditional micro-lending initiatives, our savings concept encourages all women members of the WSCS to regularly set aside small amount of money. During weekly meetings, members can request small loans for income-generating activities, children’s education, or healthcare needs with repayments made in manageable installments. This practice not only promotes financial inclusion but also cultivates financial discipline, enabling women to manage their resources more wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses. Over time, consistent saving enables members to build a strong financial foundation, empowering them to invest in business ventures, moving towards long-term economic stability.”
Ma Yu Yu Win’s journey began with her mother, who was the first in their family to join the Women’s Savings and Credit Scheme (WSCS) group for regular savings. Inspired by her mother’s commitment and the impact it had on their household, Ma Yu Yu Win decided to follow in her footsteps—starting to save regularly and manage her finances more responsibly. She soon took on the role of an accountant, gaining valuable hands-on experience in managing financial records, tracking savings, and organizing weekly meetings. Over time, these habits—grounded in discipline, accountability, and leadership—became the foundation of her success and financial stability.
With small loans from the women’s savings group, she started selling Htan-Thee-Moke and Moke-Kyel-Thae—traditional local snacks that have become a reliable source of income for her family. Today, her small business generates an average daily net profit of 12 000 MMK (approximately USD 2.70), which is enough to consistently cover daily meals for her family. What began with a small loan has grown into a sustainable microenterprise. Provided with the right support, even small ventures can have a big impact on food security and family well-being.
Beyond earning profits, she remains deeply committed to saving and careful financial planning. Her commitment is evident in her words- “I have been saving in the savings group. Now that I have saved for a year, I am determined to continue.”
Through the promotion of collective action, the Women’s Saving and Credit Scheme continues to empower women like Ma Yu Yu Win – equipping them with the tools they need to save, invest, and thrive—transforming financial discipline into long-term prosperity and greater financial autonomy. Her story reflects how social norms are beginning to shift. More women are now recognized not just as contributors, but as capable financial actors and community leaders—paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient rural economy.
This story contributes to FAO’s Strategic Framework under the aspiration of ‘Better Life.’