Saima Bibi

Saima Bibi is an extremely hardworking lady who has proved her strength during the most difficult of times. A resident of an underdeveloped area of Khanpur, Saima was a mother of 3 kids whose husband, daily wage labour was sick and unable to work. The family was struggling so much so to arrange a one-time meal every day for everyone.

At this difficult time, Saima took the initiative and risk to do something and contacted FFO Support Program, a borrower of Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company for a loan to start a business of bangles. Her first loan was PKR 20,000 from which she purchased bangles and antique items and sold them at a profit. When this started working out, she decided to take another loan of PKR 25,000 to purchase a bangle-making machine and make bangles at home. This enabled her to restart her livelihood and provide for her family. She took the 3rd loan of PKR. 70,000 and purchased 1 more machine and a variety of antique goods from Sindh. She hired 2 employees on daily wage and provided them with machines.  With the successful completion of the 3rd loan, she applied for another loan of PKR. 100, 000. Foreseeing her financial ability FFOSP provided her with this handsome amount to enhance her enterprise and make way for others as well. Currently, she is paying installments of the 4th loan cycle. She is a well-reputed personality in the local market, her business transactions are increasing day by day. Saima is running the enterprise successfully and has now employed 4 women and 1 man (for order delivery) in the local area.

After starting her own setup of antique bangle making, she took the first step towards prosperity, where she not only generated income for her family but also provided a platform for other females to earn income for their families. She created jobs that made an impact on society. This is a wonderful example of women’s empowerment in our society. She has bright future plans including the expansion of her enterprise with the support of PMIC’s borrower, FFOSP.