Mercy Corps -- Be the Change
close ×

Don't have a username? Register ›
Forgot your password/username? Get help ›
Who we are What we do Where we work Take action Join our cause Ways to give

Asila in Uzbekistan

June 15, 2004

Country: 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.

Donate to Mercy Corps

$
Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. law

Sign up for email updates

Thank you!
Featured Campaigns
Featured Events
Visit the Action Center
One Table: Help us solve world hunger by investing in the world's women

Mercy Corps

PO Box 2669, Dept W
Portland OR 97208-2669 USA
To give: (888) 256-1900
Contact Us   Office Locations

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

Over the last five years, we've allocated more than 89% of our resources directly to programs. America's premier charity evaluator gives Mercy Corps four stars in organizational efficiency. Click here to learn more.

Mercy Corps is a 501(c)3 charity. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. law.

About Mercy Corps

Countries where we work

Topics on our site

How to get involved

Ways to donate

Other Mercy Corps websites

Mercy Corps Country Sites

Copyright © 2009 Mercy Corps.
Mercy Corps will never sell, rent or exchange your email address.
See our Privacy Policy for more information.