#ReclaimingInnovation: Innovation is Independence

In honour of Saba Saba Day in Tanzania, a day so closely linked to the concept of independence, we wanted to also celebrate what independence means to the young women RLabs works with every day in southern Tanzania. Through training, access to Youth Savings Loan Associations (YSLAs), and the inclusion of innovations into their business ideas, girls are making their own money and taking control of their livelihoods. Here's how innovation through the creation of YSLAs is independence for Faraja, Mary, Angel, and Agatha!

FARAJA, from the Inyala neighbourhood of Mbeya, meets with her YSLA, the Upendo Group, weekly. Not only does being financially independent give her confidence, but it also has allowed her to gain extra trust from her parents. Her financial freedom adds value to her parents, too. By her being able to save money through the YSLA and start her own business, her community considers that she has been properly raised by her parents, earning them respect.

Being in her YSLA group has given MARY discipline to save the little money she gets. Because she knows that every week she needs to buy shares, she is watchful of her expenses. Coming from a family with economic difficulties, taking care of her child and providing it with a safe environment is extremely important to her. To Mary, financial independence doesn't just mean being able to raise her child the way she wants, it also means feeling a sense of happiness because of the type of mom she can be.

Through her participation in a YSLA, ANGEL has expanded her fruit business, and most importantly, she says that it has helped her to be busy working on her business rather than staying at home waiting to be helped. For Angel, being dependent on others can easily tempt a girl to rely on unfaithful boys, leading to situations which can get in the way of a girl's dreams. By being financially independent, she's able to keep her life goals, stay busy with her business, and serve as a role model for other girls in her community.

AGATHA has had her own shop, where she sews and sells clothes, for the last year and a half. Before joining the Peace and Love Savings Group she would have to regularly use her personal savings in order to pay her rent. Now, she's able to keep her personal and business expenses separate, making a profit after her monthly rent payments. To Agatha, though, her YSLA is more than just about her personal financial freedom, but an extra sense of security for her and her group members.?

"You can buy shares for social welfare to help if there is an emergency, or if someone is sick, there are funds available, " she explains, "it's great and empowering that youth can help themselves!"