Breaking the Cycle of Early Marriage: TYDT Empowers Girls through Poultry Farming and Savings

In Zaka District, where opportunities for young girls are often limited, the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the risk of child and early marriages. Faced with economic struggles, families felt pressure to marry off their daughters. But through the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), TYDT stepped in with a solution that empowered 200 girls: poultry farming combined with Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS). The girls, many of whom had never envisioned themselves as business owners, learned the essential skills to raise poultry, manage their enterprises, and sell their products at local markets. This newfound confidence and independence allowed them to contribute to their families’ income while reshaping their futures.

“Before this, I thought marriage was my only option,” says Tanaka, one of the participants. “Now, I run a business, support my family, and stay in school.”

Alongside poultry production, ISALS gave the girls financial control for the first time. Through savings groups, they pooled resources, took out small loans, and expanded their businesses. These savings networks didn’t just strengthen their finances – they fostered support systems among the girls, helping them grow in both confidence and entrepreneurship.

Rutendo, another participant, shared, “The ISALS helped me expand my poultry business and invest in my future.”

This initiative has also made significant strides in fighting child and early marriages. The financial independence and skills the girls have gained empower them to resist family pressures to marry early, focusing instead on their education and business growth.

As these girls thrive, their success sparks positive change in their communities, showing that economic empowerment can transform lives and help end harmful practices like early marriage. TYDT’s initiative is not only building businesses but also reshaping futures across Zaka District.