Our Mission
We are focused on changing the world by empowering women with financial security.
Brighter Together directly funds programs for micro-savings and business development groups through the Women Empowered program. Since 2017, we have sponsored over 50,000 women with business skills, financial literacy, and leadership development in some of the world’s most impoverished countries —and that number continues to grow!
In 2023 and 2024, BTF helped launch Women Empowered programs in Madagascar. Below are just a few of the stories of inspiration from the most recent programs in Madagascar.
Meet Fanjalina
Fondly known as Fanja, at 32 years old, Fanja is a devoted wife and mother of four children. Her journey has been marked by both challenges and resilience. Fanja had to leave school when she was just nine years old, before completing fifth grade. Since then, she has faced numerous obstacles, especially when it came to paying for her children's education.
Before Global Communities' Women Empowered (WE) program began a year ago, Fanja often found herself in a difficult position, unable to afford her children's school fees. She was determined to give her children the education she missed and worked tirelessly to earn every dollar to ensure they didn't have to abandon their studies.
Fanja's story took a positive turn when she joined the WE group named "KINTANA," which translates to "star." The group, consisting of 30 members from the town of Anjatoka III, was formed at the beginning of the year. Despite being a part of the group for only a few months, Fanja is already witnessing significant changes in her life and her family's well-being.
Through her participation in the KINTANA group, Fanja now has access to financial resources that were previously out of reach. The loans she receives through the WE group have enabled her to pay for her children's education and invest in small businesses, providing additional support for her family's needs.
Looking ahead, Fanja is excited to continue her journey with the WE program. She looks forward to learning more about how to grow her business and further improve her family's economic stability. The skills and knowledge she will gain from ongoing participation in the program will undoubtedly help her achieve even greater success.
Fanja's story is a testament to the transformative power of community and empowerment. With the help of the WE group, she has found a sustainable solution to her financial difficulties, paving the way for a brighter future for herself and her family. Fanja's experience highlights the profound impact that initiatives like the Women Empowered program can have on individuals and communities, fostering hope and opportunity where there was once struggle and uncertainty.
Meet Fenozara
Fanja with her WE group
Fenozara is a 68-year-old woman from the village of Somara in the Tsihombe district. She has spent her life farming sweet potatoes, cassava, and legumes, as her true passion lies in supporting her family. Despite only completing the third grade, Fenozara has a deep love for learning and a strong determination to provide a better future for her loved ones.
Married to the chief of the village, a man who has never been to school himself, Fenozara is a mother of eight children. Most of them are now independent, except for her youngest daughter, Sana, who is studying at university. While her children have moved on, Fenozara's home remains bustling with life as she cares for her ten grandchildren.
Among her grandchildren, two have already made significant academic strides. Sija is 17 and is now in high school. Rosela is 13 and in middle school. Their education is a source of immense pride for Fenozara, made possible by her participation in a local Global Communities Women Empowered (WE) group.
Meet Lia
Fenozara with some of her grandchildren
This group has been a lifeline for Fenozara, enabling her to finance her grandchildren's education and related expenses such as exam fees, school fees, and supplies. In January 2024, the group shared their funds, and Fenozara’s savings, along with profits so she could ensure her grandchildren could continue their schooling. This support has been crucial in helping her meet the needs of her household.
Seeing the positive impact of the WE group, Fenozara decided to deepen her involvement. She knows that her savings and the group's support are vital for her family's future. This year, two more of her granddaughters, Miza, 14, and Nalahasoa, 15, will be sitting for school exams, and Fenozara is committed to ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed.
Fenozara’s story is a testament to the power of community support and the unyielding spirit of a grandmother’s love. By supporting women like Fenozara, the Brighter Together Foundation has helped provide education and hope for the next generation.
Lia is a 42-year-old woman from a small village in
Madagascar. She is a dedicated wife and mother to seven
children—one boy and six girls. With unwavering
determination, she supports her family through farming and
running a modest small business. Despite her efforts, lifes
challenges have often been overwhelming, especially as she
has only had the opportunity to complete primary school.
Out of her seven children, five are currently in school. This
alone is a testament to Lia’s relentless pursuit of a better
future for her family. Yet, her journey has not been easy. For
years, borrowing money within her community was nearly
impossible. Men doubted her ability to repay loans, forcing her to rely on informal lenders with exorbitant interest rates. The burden was heavy:
borrowing AR $22 USD meant repaying $30 USD within a month. However, hope arrived when Lia joined a Women Empowered (WE) group.
This group, whose name means ‘save’ became a turning point in her life. Through WE, Lia discovered a strength and
confidence she never knew she had. Once too shy to speak at community gatherings, she now
confidently leads group meetings and attends nearly every community event. Her transformation is
profound—she has become a beacon of empowerment in her village.
The WE group didn’t just provide financial support; it offered Lia a new sense of purpose and belonging.
She learned essential skills, including managing a register book, and even stepped in as the group’s
secretary when needed. Initially hesitant, she now thrives in this role, demonstrating remarkable
leadership and organizational abilities.
The impact of the WE group extends to her family as well. With the financial literacy and savings
discipline she gained, Lia can now afford to send her children to school. Education, which once seemed a
distant dream, is now a reality for her children, thanks to the support and solidarity of her WE group.
Lia’s story is one of transformation and resilience. From being marginalized and mistrusted to becoming
a community leader, her journey illustrates the profound impact of empowerment and support.
Through your generous donations, you can help more women like Lia transform their lives, support their
families, and uplift their communities.
