Micro-Enterprise Development

 WOMEN IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD 

In much of the Islamic world, women are subjected to a system that pronounces them as less valuable than men. According to Shariah law, a woman is only eligible to receive half the inheritance of a man. In court, her testimony is only worth half of a man’s. Islam sanctions polygamous marriages, in which women can be discarded by their husbands if they are childless, ill, or aging. Traditional Islamic teaching encourages fathers to marry off their daughters at young age, too often with tragic consequences. 

In Islamic communities in West Africa, education for girls is not a major goal in most families; marriage, especially one that produces male sons and grandsons, is the top priority. It is the number one way a West African Muslim woman can make herself valuable.  

 CHANGING LIVES BY INVESTING 

Smyrna is reaching out to women who have lived their entire lives thinking they are worthless. Through the Micro-Enterprise program, we partner with indigenous ministries to equip and enable impoverished women to provide for themselves.

Our ministry partners are befriending outcast women, and sharing with them the hope found only in Jesus Christ! If they are willing to commit to development programs, women are trained in entrepreneurial business management, and are provided for until their business becomes profitable. Some are trained as seamstresses, others receive seeds and raise vegetables, and others extract  and sell shea butter, made from locally grown shea nuts.

 A REASON TO HOPE 

Aaliyah* wasn’t her husband’s favorite wife...he had three others. One day he informed her she was being replaced. She was abandoned in an impoverished community with no way to earn her livelihood. However, after receiving a  small loan from the Micro-Enterprise fund, she enrolled in a sewing school. People like you donated a sewing machine and material!!! Thanks to your partnership, she built up a business. The Body of Christ came alongside her, and Aaliyah found her feet.

Today, she smiles from behind a booth in the market, selling beautifully hand-stitched clothes. She has regained her dignity—and best of all, because she has heard about Jesus and accepted His sacrifice, her heart is filled with a love she never knew before. Her life radiates the light of the Gospel to her community.

 MEETING THE CHALLENGE 

Micro-enterprise development isn’t a miracle solution to the problems facing women in the Islamic world. It can feed hungry mouths, but it can’t feed hungry souls. Only a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can truly bring hope into these women’s lives. However, this program does help Christians build relationships with outcast women. Ultimately, the goal is to help them know the King of Kings!