In Aregorego Cell, Soroti District, a group of 10 young mothers is quietly transforming their lives through the Asianut Liquid Soap Enterprise. They are rewriting their narratives, not as a story of the challenges of young motherhood, but as a testimony to how they’ve turned their lives around to become valuable contributors to their community.
With the Income Generating Activity (IGA) Booster support and training provided by the USAID-funded OVC North East Activity, implemented by the Uganda Women’s Effort Save Orphans (UWESO), the group decided to venture into soap making. The booster support is in the form of a revolving fund where the group pays back the money in installments without interest over six months to a year.
The group initially started with bar soap making. However, due to the high costs of production, particularly for raw materials, they decided to shift to liquid soap production, a choice they do not regret. They began the journey with just 40 litres. Today, they proudly produce up to 200 litres of liquid soap in a single production cycle. This significant increase in production capacity has not only boosted their income but also their confidence in the enterprise.
The success of the Asianut Liquid Soap Enterprise extends beyond just soap making. The group has replicated the revolving fund, where they reserve a portion of their earnings to loan out to other mothers. This fund operates with a small interest rate, which helps sustain its business and provides a critical financial lifeline to others in the community. The interest corrected from the loans is then used to pay back the Activity booster fund. This system has worked well, with the group successfully meeting their repayment obligations.
Throughout their journey, the Asianut group has learned the importance of market analysis, including adjusting their product to meet customer preferences, such as offering green-coloured liquid soap. They also aspire to start branding their products and share their knowledge as community-based trainers for other initiatives under the Activity.
The impact of the Asianut Liquid Soap Enterprise is not just economic. The success of their business has enabled two group members to return to school, and all members continue to participate in the Single Mothers Savings Group. This Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) helps them market their products, save profits, and provide loans, further strengthening their community ties.
The group also serves as a platform for social connection, where young mothers can share their successes and challenges.
Through their hard work and the support of the USAID-funded OVC North East Activity, these young mothers have not only enhanced their livelihoods but have also become a beacon of inspiration in their community.
