Smart Havens Africa

Create an impact that lasts more than a lifetime

Today Uganda remains one of the poorest nations in the world with 70% of women-headed families living in informal settlements or slums. and with only 1% of the population having access to housing finance

So, Millions of women-headed families and their children are excluded from formal financial markets, limiting their access to finance and land tenure. This, combined with high housing costs, low incomes, and a lack of a supporting partner, makes it nearly impossible for women-headed families to buy or build a home. 

As a result, they are forced to bear the sole responsibility for income generation, food production, and childcare.

 Consequently, many are trapped in systemic poverty, paying a high proportion of their income on rent and falling into debt from high-risk loans.

When women secure legal land rights, they gain autonomy over their lives and futures. A land title provides physical protection from eviction and violence (women who own land are up to eight times less likely to experience domestic violence), and it provides women with a permanent asset that builds generational wealth. Land is a foundation to build a life rather than survive one. 

Women landowners can lift themselves out of poverty because they can participate in the market, where land serves as their collateral. They can build a formal relationship with a bank and access a loan for their home and business. Simply owning land increases net worth, and it also increases financial opportunities. 

Studies have shown women with strong property and inheritance rights earn up to 4 times more income and increase their savings by up to 45%.

By supporting Smart Havens Africa you create an impact that lasts more than a lifetime