Zohar Beauty Salon and Cosmetics, the salon that we and Global Village Connect helped set up, for the Jewish women at our Sister Synagogue in Namutumba, Uganda, had a very good January and February
The women’s salon project was established to create sustainable income opportunities and practical skills for Jewish women in the community. The salon currently supports 10 women, providing them with a safe and supportive space where they can work, earn income, and build confidence in their professional abilities.
During this reporting period, the salon has continued to operate well and attract customers from the surrounding community. The women have demonstrated strong teamwork and commitment to providing quality services such as hair braiding, styling, and basic beauty care. The environment within the salon remains encouraging, with the women supporting one another as they grow both economically and personally.
Sales and Profit Summary
January Sales: $1,206
January Profit: $676
February Sales: $1,147
February Profit: $617
The salon continues to serve a steady stream of clients, and the income generated is helping the women contribute to household needs such as food, school fees, rent, and healthcare.
Profit use
During the months of January and February, the women agreed not to set aside a portion of the profits for group savings as they normally plan to do. Instead, they made a collective decision to share the profits equally among themselves in order to prepare their children for the new school term. Many of the women are mothers and caregivers, and this period comes with significant expenses such as school fees, uniforms, books, and other scholastic materials. The income earned from the salon therefore played a crucial role in helping them meet these immediate family responsibilities and ensure that their children were able to return to school prepared for the new term.
Impact on the Women
The project is currently benefiting 10 women, many of whom previously had very limited opportunities to earn an income. Beyond financial support, the salon has become a place of dignity, friendship, and personal growth. The women often share how meaningful this opportunity has been in their lives:
Reflections from the Women
“When the term was beginning, I was worried about how I would raise my child’s school fees. The money I received from the salon helped me pay the fees and send my child back to school with peace in my heart.”- Revekah
“Because of the work we are doing here, I was able to buy exercise books, pens, and other school materials for my children. It made me very proud as a mother.” -Tovah
“The income I received helped me buy a school uniform for my daughter. Seeing her go to school neatly dressed gave me so much joy.”-Susan
“Before this opportunity, paying school fees was always a struggle for me. The salon income helped me clear part of the fees and prepare my children for the new term.”-Hellen
“This salon is helping us take care of our families. When our children go to school because of the work of our hands, we feel encouraged to work even harder- Naomi
Conclusion
The women’s salon continues to make a meaningful impact by providing livelihoods, building skills, and restoring confidence among the participating women. The project remains a valuable platform for empowerment and economic stability within the community.