Microfinance Spotlight: Jane Masila

We met with Jane and other heads of the microfinance program at the GWOCO (Ganako Women’s Community Organization) loan program office on our last trip to TZ in January 2024. Amidst a heavy downpour, we jumped over a moat and dashed into the beautiful new building, greeted with much excitement. The women sang to us and dressed us in jewels and new shukas (traditional fabric) to welcome us. Their new building boasts several rooms for various functions, and even flushable toilets! We all had a meeting together, hosted by accountant Jane John Masila, who is doing a fabulous job of helping the women’s loan program run smoothly.

Jane started managing the GWOCO Microfinance program in 2020, after interning and working in her field for 3 years. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from IAA in 2017, and has since done a fantastic job of getting the program in tip-top shape! She decided to join the loan program because she believes that everyone should have equal opportunities, regardless of their social background, and she enjoys working with vulnerable communities who are often left behind by their government. Jane is passionate about helping women of all ages to learn new things, and use that expanded knowledge to combat poverty through their own small businesses. Respect, self awareness, communication, time management, teamwork and a learning mindset have all helped her to gain confidence and to meet her personal and professional goals, and we are extremely grateful to have her on board. We had a great time meeting with her on our most recent trip, and we hope she continues on in this position for a very long time!

Jane (left) talking with other head members of the loan group

In her own words:

“While I decided to work with WMI [Women’s Microfinance Initiative] because I believe that everyone should have equal opportunities regardless of their social background. Also I really admire your work with vulnerable communities and all the projects you’ve undertaken and the fact that we only help those women’s from rural areas of which mostly of the government ignore and forget about them. Also seeing young ladies and elder women learn new things and expand their knowledge and combat from poverty by their own small business to large has always been my passion.”

-Jane

Heads of the Microloan program preparing for a meeting with Jane (right, middle)