Asila in Uzbekistan

Photo: Mercy Corps

When Asila Hamrokulova speaks she wheezes. Asila, age 48, developed asthma in 1995 and has been unable to find work because of her condition. She is a single mother of five children between seven and 26 years old. Her youngest son has Down’s syndrome and has never received treatment. Her only daughter suffers from a heart problem which requires a visit to the hospital two times a year.

Asila's asthma makes it impossible to find employment. According to government labor laws, workers with medical handicaps must retire at the age of 45.

Recognizing the need to help women generate income for their families, Mercy Corps began the Women’s Micro-Credit Program in 2001. The program has already provided over 2,350 loans to local women, including Asila.

With the loan, Asila started her own neighborhood shop, which sells candy, laundry detergent, body soap and other small goods. Income from the shop has benefited her family enormously: she has paid off debts and now her children attend school and get much-needed medical care.

“My children are no longer hungry,” Asila says with relief. “Because of Mercy Corps, we can buy the things that we need now.”

Mercy Corps' Partners in Mercy program helps women like Asila. Join today.