How this initiative is empowering women in rural areas with hair products

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on the economy, one group that has been particularly hard hit in South Africa is women. With mothers being two times more likely than fathers to have lost their jobs during the lockdown, the need to empower women to become entrepreneurs and create their own financial independence has never been more pressing. Wukina, a South African network marketing company specializing in hair products, has stepped in with an initiative aimed at helping women in rural areas start their own businesses. By providing women with the tools they need to sell high-quality hair products in their communities, Wukina is not only offering economic opportunities but also a chance for women to take charge of their own futures. The genesis of the Wukina initiative came from the realization that many women aspire to start their own businesses but often lack the necessary startup capital. By providing women with personalized websites fully stocked with hair products, Wukina equips them with the means to start selling and earning money. Maureen Sibanda, Community Manager at Wukina, explained that the company's goal is to empower women and help them achieve financial freedom, recognizing the pivotal role women play in supporting their households and families. When asked about the timing of the initiative amid a backdrop of widespread job losses and economic uncertainty, Sibanda emphasized the importance of providing women with income-generating opportunities at a time of great need. With households led by women being a common scenario in South Africa, the initiative seeks to not only offer women a source of income but also to tap into the growing demand for quality hair products in the market. Sibanda highlighted the appeal of selling hair to one's own network, showcasing the potential for women to turn a passion for beauty into a profitable venture. To become an entrepreneur with Wukina, individuals can sign up for one of five different packages offered by the company, ranging from 242 R&D to 2750 R&D. The basic starter kit, priced at 244 R&D, includes a personalized website with the individual's name in the URL, providing a platform for showcasing and selling products. Entrepreneurs earn a 20% commission on sales made through their websites, creating a revenue stream that can help supplement household incomes. One of the key problems in the hair industry that Wukina seeks to address is the issue of quality control. Sibanda explained that many sellers in the market may claim to offer top-tier hair products but fail to deliver on quality, leaving customers dissatisfied. By ensuring high product quality and implementing a 30-day exchange policy, Wukina aims to build trust with customers and provide a reliable source for premium hair products. Additionally, the company offers samples of Brazilian hair in some packages, allowing entrepreneurs to showcase the quality of the products to potential clients. Despite the long-standing tradition of buying and selling hair, Wukina has seen significant success in creating entrepreneurs, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Over 600 women have signed up with the company in South Africa, generating an average income of 3000 R&D per month. This tangible impact on women's lives underscores the importance of empowering women through economic opportunities and creating pathways to financial stability. Challenges related to supply chain disruptions during the pandemic have affected Wukina's operations, with delays in stock deliveries experienced until level 3 of lockdown restrictions. However, the company remains resilient and prepared, taking precautions to mitigate any future disruptions in the event of renewed lockdown measures. Despite the uncertainties brought about by the ongoing pandemic, Wukina remains committed to supporting women in rural areas and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors. In conclusion, the Wukina initiative stands as a beacon of hope for women in rural areas, offering a pathway to economic independence and empowerment. By bridging the gap in the market with quality products and tailored support for entrepreneurs, Wukina is transforming the lives of women and communities across South Africa.