Historical Background

Historical Background

WEDAC was incorporated to take over the operations carried out by Monduli Rural Credit Scheme for Women (MRCSW). This institution started by Monduli District Council in 1993 with the objective to meet the credit needs of rural women in Monduli District. In June 1995, it was transferred to a community based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called Komolonik Integrated Development Organization (KIDO), the rural credit scheme was incorporated as WEDAC in June 2000. Currently, due to an introduction of a Microfinance Act 2018, WEDAC Company Limited was renamed as WEDAC Microfinance Institution Ltd, a rural based microfinance focused on provision of Financial Services to rural households mainly women.

The Founder

Amina Chaga

Martha Jachi Umbulla, (the late) who was then the project coordinator for Monduli Rural Credit Scheme for Women (MRCSW) was part of the decision-making and inception team for WEDAC. After its incorporation, Martha served as the General Manager for WEDAC Company Ltd from 2000 – 2004. Martha’s heart for women and her passion to support rural women whom she viewed as key players in the development of rural families, and in turn the nation, led to her appointment and service in various government positions including a District Commissioner – Kiteto District, District Commissioner – Kongwa District, and a Member of Parliament - Women Special seats for Manyara, a position she served for over 15 years. Despite her many responsibilities, Martha remained a key advisor and a member of the Board of Directors for WEDAC until her passing. Martha’s belief that ‘empowering a woman, empowers the family

unit and in turn a society and nation at large is evident in the success stories of the women that have obtained their credit facilities with WEDAC for over 20 years of WEDAC’s operation.