In 2020, a report was written on IMAGE participants’ personal experiences of the Sisters for Life programme. Nearly all the respondents were black, poor rural women. Participants expressed that being financially independent gave them a sense of personal pride, especially since they were previously economically dependent on men and their role had been restricted to housekeepers and mothers for most of their lives. A participant named Patricia explained,

Many of the respondents also agreed that their lives had improved since joining the SFL programme, and one participant said

A few women successfully spoke with their male partners to address abuse. For example, a 29 year old, single mother who had been experiencing emotional abuse by her partner, reportedly engaged him on his abusive behaviour:

Others claimed that their insights about leadership were enhanced through the IMAGE programme, as Dorcus expressed that,

During a more recent session on domestic violence in late 2021, a client emotionally revealed to her centre that she was HIV positive and had been experiencing stigmatisation by family members and intimate partner violence as well.

After learning about the different forms of abuse from IMAGE, she was able to recognise that she was not only suffering from physical abuse but also financial and emotional abuse from her partner.

She explained that her daughter witnessed their arguments and often even had to serve as mediator.

After receiving a one-on-one psychosocial support visit from her IMAGE trainer, she began to see the impact that the abuse was having on her health and on her child’s life.

This client has since left the relationship and has begun counselling with a local social worker, referred by IMAGE staff. She also reports that her ex-partner is also seeking help so he can form healthier relationships in future. SEF has been successful in the microfinance sector for over 30 years.

We understand the complexities that underlie poverty and the structural drivers that perpetuate the cycle.

This understanding underpins our success and is why we are committed to taking a multi-dimensional and holistic approach to poverty alleviation – by not only empowering women economically through the provision of financial products and services, but also socially, by providing the IMAGE programme. Studies show that the IMAGE Project works, that clients value the programme, and that it has positive impact on their personal lives and communities.