In the village of Bora in Mali, the story of Mrs. Dambé Badina Fatou stands out as a quiet but powerful example of change.

Mrs. Dambé is married with three children, one boy and two girls. Like many women in her community, she began her working life in petty trade, doing what she could to contribute to her family’s well-being. But long before that, she had already been introduced to another skill that would later shape her future.

More than ten years ago, she learned the basics of sewing from her father, who was a tailor. At first, she simply repaired clothing under his guidance. Over time, her confidence grew, and by 2016 she had begun cutting and sewing garments herself.

Her journey took a new turn when she joined a village savings and credit group supported by World Neighbors. Through the group, she gained access to a small loan. With this opportunity, Mrs. Dambé decided to invest in the skill she had been quietly developing for years. Using her working capital, she set up a small sewing center at home.

Through the support of the group and her own determination, she was able to buy her first sewing machine, and later a second one. Today, her small enterprise has grown enough for her to train three apprentices, all young women eager to learn the craft and follow a similar path.

Her workshop currently operates in the backyard of her family home, which allows her to work close to home while keeping costs low for her customers. The affordable prices she offers have helped her attract clients and generate a steady income.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Dambé dreams of growing her activity even further. She hopes to purchase additional sewing machines and a proper cutting table so she can open a fully equipped sewing workshop in the village.

Drawing from her experience, she shares a simple but powerful message with other women:

“There is no such thing as a silly job. You must have conviction in everything you want to do in life.”

In Bora, Mali, savings and credit groups have helped open new opportunities for women like Mrs. Dambé. What began with small loans and shared savings has enabled her to move from petty trading to building a growing sewing business—one that not only supports her family but also inspires other women in her community.