The Multi-function platform

Mary Graham and Loriana Dembélé in front of a school built by locals with Ji Duma
in Samanko. There are two rooms inside the school, one for classes and literacy training and
the other holds a multifunctional platform, run by a women’s micro-enterprise

 

The multifunctional platform comprises a diesel engine connected to various
tools such as a cereal mill, husker, alternator, and battery charger, pump, welding and
carpentry equipment. This machine improves rural women’s lack of time and
disproportionate workload.

 

While Ji Duma provides financial and technical assistance and training, the
women themselves form management committees in each village – a strikingly effective
example of women’s empowerment. Ji Duma ensures that village women own and
manage the platform. Women gain management experience and novel income-generating
opportunities that lead to more economic independence, helping to redefine their
subservient societal status.

 

The entire village benefits from extra income generated by women from the platform and, therefore,
they spend less time on non-productive labor and have more time to dedicate to education, health and
childcare, all of which have proven to be effective in combating poverty. Ji Duma incorporated a
school into the platform project for that very reason.

 

Multi-function platform grinds grains quickly and with ease.