Credit and savings: stepping stones from poverty.

This paper presents an interview with Mariame Dem, Zonal Program Manager for West Africa, concerning Oxfam's contribution to financial assets of women in helping them to achieve sustainable livelihoods. It was known that credit could improve the status of women and bargaining position within their household by giving them their own money. Dem said that the program has given grants for revolving credit funds, built women's literacy skills, and has kept them in touch with credit management organizations. Moreover, she said that Oxfam has invested in many micro-credit schemes for the empowerment of women. Their partners have set up a learning group and plan to train and network in the coming years.