Mary Tam
Development Officer
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Kyrgyzstan continues to search for stable footing on ever shifting terrain. But there are some constants here, as well, that will likely never reach the news. Before the revolution in April, throughout the recent turmoil and long after the world turns its attention elsewhere, there were, are and will be important contributors to Kyrgyzstan’s progress.
Some of these contributors are Mercy Corps and Kompanion staff members, who work unstintingly to serve people in all seven oblasts (administrative divisions) of the country. Now, in addition to carrying out regular operations, staff from all departments are mobilizing to assist with emergency response efforts.
Mercy Corps has worked in Kyrgyzstan since 1994 -- three years after the country gained independence, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1997 Mercy Corps implemented the first micro-lending programme in Kyrgyzstan. By February 2003, the programme was registered as a local microcredit NGO. Shortly after that, Mercy Corps and five affiliated NGOs consolidated to form a national community development financial institution called Kompanion. In 2004, Kompanion was registered with the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Today Kompanion has 109,917 active clients, a portfolio of £22 million, 90 offices and 892 employees throughout the country. No ordinary microfinance institution, Kompanion combines loan services with community development initiatives, such as agricultural and livestock trainings, in order to facilitate the strengthening of communities through sustainable development.
In this video, a few employees from the Bishkek office share their thoughts on Mercy Corps and Kompanion programmes in Kyrgyzstan. Bol-shoye spaseeba to the hundreds of dedicated staff who are working to increase stability and opportunity in Kyrgyzstan regardless of social, economic or political challenges.
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Filed under
- Countries: Kyrgyzstan
- Topics: Microfinance
Comments
Mary Tam
July 22, 2010 6:21AM
In general, microfinance institutions intentionally engage women more. My understanding is that this is partly due to the fact that women are often marginalized and economic development gives them an effective role in society. Also some studies have shown that women tend to reinvest their money in the family (buying food, educating children, employing relatives) while men are sometimes prone to spending money on, let's say, "less beneficial recreational activities." Of course there are countless men who also work hard to support and provide for their families.
Kompanion actually makes it a point to be inclusive of men. Most of the loans are group loans and men are invited to participate as well, provided there are a certain number of women in the group. Roughly 80% of our clients are women.
Thanks for asking!
Dianna Woolley
July 16, 2010 3:52PM
Hi Mary,
I note in these videos that your clients are women, exclusively women being shown. How are the men engaged? I think the idea of microfinancing is fascinating and note that it has been used to great benefit in countries all over the world. I think it came to my attention mainly through the ONE campaign and through the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund....but still curious re your clients - all women or no?
Dianna