Lighting the way: Veasna’s path from struggle to empowerment

“When I first joined the programme, I couldn't imagine succeeding," Veasna recalls. "I viewed myself as merely an uneducated woman. This sort of work appeared to be intended for university graduates, not for someone like me."

Veasna once shouldered life's burdens alone, raising children, running a struggling business, managing household debt, and securing her children's education, all while her husband's gambling addiction drained the family’s resources. This overwhelming burden plunged her into a deep state of depression and hopelessness.

When the programme was presented to her, Ms. Veasna felt hesitant. "The team had faith in me when I couldn't have faith in myself," she says. "Their steadfast support prompted me to wonder: if they recognised potential in me, why couldn't I see it too?"

Her initial scepticism nearly caused her to forfeit the opportunity within the first month. The turning point arrived with her first Result-Based Financing payment, not solely for the financial relief it provided, but for what it symbolised.

Motivated by this support, Ms. Veasna started taking small yet bold steps. She pushed against her natural quietness by engaging more with customers, learning to build trust, and offering quality services in the sale of e-cooking appliances. She began organising village meetings to promote her products, gradually evolving into a more confident and visible entrepreneur.

Through the programme, Ms. Veasna not only received tools and support to enhance her business but also gained the chance to broaden her perspective beyond her daily struggles. She attended several meetings and observed the dedication and progress of other SMEs in a different province, which profoundly inspired her.

After attending the workshop in Phnom Penh for the first time and witnessing the success of other SMEs, Ms. Veasna encountered a world she had never imagined. These experiences ignited her motivation for a brighter future.

With the incentives she earned through the programme, she reinvested in her business by purchasing more clean cooking products, providing additional gifts, and enhancing her display to attract attention. Her efforts have paid off. Previously, she only sold a couple of stoves each month. Upon joining the programme, she aimed to achieve 50 stoves per month. Thanks to her impressive efforts, she can now sell around 100 stoves each month, reaching a remarkable milestone of 126 stoves in February.

Ms. Veasna now stands as a confident, hopeful woman who believes in her potential. "Now I know I can provide my children with the education they deserve, all the way to university," she says with pride. "This journey has changed not only my business but also who I am."