The Moto Moto Group: A Story of Resilience, Empowerment, Determination and Hope

The Moto Moto Group: A Story of Resilience, Empowerment, Determination and Hope

In Geita Region, Bukombe District, a group of five women came together in 2022 with a shared vision of improving their lives and uplifting their community. They named themselves the “Moto Moto” group, symbolizing the burning desire for change and progress. Initially, the group’s focus was simple: to save and lend money to one another and invest in shares for their group.

As the year passed by, they reaped the rewards of their collective effort and were faced by an important decision: should they divide the profits got among themselves, or use the money to build something bigger? They all together agreed to reinvest the funds into purchasing goats, hoping that the earnings from selling the goats would support their families and help them achieve greater financial independence.

“As women, we knew that if we came together, we could achieve so much more. We decided not to divide the profits but to use them for something that would grow, we saw livestock as a way to secure our future.” said Magdalena Daudi, Chairperson of the group.

By the end of 2022, the group had successfully purchased 15 goats, marking the beginning of their small but promising livestock business. With the money they earned, they managed to grow their capital, even securing a government loan of five million Tanzanian shillings.

Their goat-keeping business flourished for a while, but as is often the case in rural communities, personal needs arose. To pay for their children’s school fees, the women began selling the goats one by one, until only five remained. While this was a setback, the group’s determination to succeed never wavered.

“We had to make some hard choices; we had to sell the goats to send our children to school. But even though we sold them, we never gave up on our dream.” said Angelina Halawa, Secretary Moto moto group.

Then, in 2024, an unexpected opportunity arose. The Fistula Project in collaboration with Bukombe district authority visited the Moto Moto group to review their business activities and explore the possibility of providing support through a grant. The visit marked a turning point in the group’s journey.

“We knew that with this grant, we had to make the best use of it, it wasn’t just about us; it was about setting a good example for other women in our community and showing that we can be successful.” said Thereza Boniface, member of the group.

The team from Amref recognized the group’s potential and capability, and after a thorough pre-award assessment, the Moto Moto group was selected to receive a grant. This came as a blessing, not only because it would help them grow their business, but also because the grant was tied to a broader mission in the district: provision of Fistula education, identification and support referral of fistula survivors for treatment.

“I never imagined that we would be chosen for this grant,” said Regina Fune, the group’s treasurer. “It was a dream come true. It felt like the beginning of something much bigger than we ever expected.”

In July 2024, the group was invited to Mwanza to participate in a transformative entrepreneurship training session. Accompanied by the District Lawyer, the District Community Development Officer, and the District Fistula Focal Person, the women gained valuable insights into how to manage business records, handle finances, and make their business more sustainable. The training also provided an opportunity to network with other groups from Mwanza and Geita, allowing the Moto Moto women to share ideas and forge new partnerships.

By August 2024, the group received a grant of 15 million shillings, which was deposited into their group bank account. With this new capital, the women were able to purchase eight cows and 15 goats, further expanding their livestock business. They also continued their system of saving and lending while offering low-interest loans to one another, reinforcing their sense of solidarity and mutual support.

“We knew that with this grant, we had to make the best use of it, it wasn’t just about us; it was about setting a good example for other women in our community and showing that we can be successful.” said Thereza Boniface, member of the group.”

But the impact of the Fistula Project didn’t end there. In addition to growing their business, the Moto Moto group was also committed to their social responsibility. In September, they identified a fistula survivor in their community, a woman who had been suffering in silence. The group took immediate action, facilitating her referral to Bugando Hospital for treatment, a support which costed about TZS. 100,000. After undergoing surgery, the woman made a full recovery and was discharged in November, bringing hope not only to her but to others in the community.

The Moto Moto group’s story is one of resilience, collaboration, and empowerment. Thanks to the support from the Fistula Project and the government at large, they have not only transformed their economic status but have also become trusted ambassadors and leaders in their community, respected for their efforts to support one another and give back to those in need. They can now meet their personal needs without relying on their husbands, gaining a sense of pride and independence that has lifted their spirits and their families.

Looking ahead, the Moto Moto group has big dreams. One of their goals is to purchase a vehicle to help transport their livestock and goods to reliable markets where they can maximize their profit, as transportation remains a significant challenge in their village. But no matter the obstacles ahead, the group’s determination remains unwavering.

As they reflect on their journey, the members of the Moto Moto group express their deep gratitude to Amref Health Africa Tanzania through its Fistula Project and the government for their unwavering support. They know that their success is not just measured in financial terms, but in the strong relationships they’ve built, the lives they’ve touched, and the hope they’ve brought to their community.

The Fistula Project is funded by an anonymous donor through Amref Health Africa UK and in partnership with the Government of Tanzania, Amref Health Africa Tanzania, Magu Poverty Focus on Older People Rehabilitation Centre (MAPERECE), CCBRT, and Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), aims to reach all fistula survivors in Mwanza and Geita regions.