Mary’s Journey: From Despair to Hope Through Women of Hope

January 29, 2025

Healing Hands International (HHI) is proud to have expanded its Women of Hope (WOH) program in Nyakarambi, Uganda, where nearly 20 women gathered at the Nyakarambi Church of Christ for a transformative Christian business women’s conference. HHI Women of Hope Coordinator, Rose, led the event, equipping these women with valuable skills in saving, record keeping, money management, mindset change, and feminine hygiene—tools that would help them break free from poverty and change their futures.

One of the participants, Mary, a mother of four, came to the conference feeling discouraged. As a small clothing seller, she struggled with low customer demand and had even resorted to keeping her unsold inventory stored in her house. Her dreams had nearly faded, and she had lost hope. However, the training offered at the conference reignited her belief in herself and her business. Mary learned about the importance of perseverance, mindset change, and effective marketing strategies. Armed with newfound knowledge, she is now determined to restart her business with renewed energy and purpose. She’s also planning to expand into bricklaying to ensure her children can receive an education—another vital step toward breaking the cycle of poverty.

The Women of Hope program has the potential to make a remarkable difference in the lives of these women, and Mary’s story is just one of many. The program not only teaches business acumen but also fosters a sense of empowerment, showing women like Mary that they have the tools and support to succeed. The Women of Hope program is grounded in the belief that women are image-bearers of God and central to transforming their communities. Through education, small business training, and micro-finance support, these women are stepping into their God-given potential and creating a ripple effect of change.

Looking ahead, there are even greater opportunities for HHI to make an impact in Nyakarambi. The community lacks access to clean water, and agricultural training from HHI’s Hunger to Harvest program would be invaluable for the local economy. Additionally, children would greatly benefit from educational tools provided by the MAGI Project, further supporting their growth and future prospects.

We are thankful to Rose for bringing a life-changing influence to Nyakarambi. Together, we can continue to uplift and empower women, creating cycles of abundance instead of poverty.