When it comes to the development of emerging markets it is clear to see that the future is female. More than a third of Jibu Franchises are owned by women and women outnumber men in seeking franchising information. As Jibu continues to empower local entrepreneurs seeking to make a change in their communities it is apparent that our driving force is women. Jibu hopes to have more than 50% of its franchises run by women. But why is this so?
Why women are drawn to the Jibu business model
Many of the reasons Jibu franchising appeals to women are the same as the reasons it attracts men. Franchising gives women the opportunity to be their own boss while having the support and systems offered by a franchisor.
For women, franchising is also a way to reduce the gender pay gap and work inequalities that still exist in Africa. More often than not, franchising gives women access to a better work/life balance than traditional careers do. For instance, they can choose a work plan that complements academic hours or assign weekend tasks to their store manager. Zees (as we fondly refer to Jibu Franchisees) are free to select working hours that work for them when they have a well-trained store manager. In comparison to working as an employee for another company, our franchising model offers women a great deal more flexibility over their schedules. She becomes her own boss.
Another reason why women prefer Jibu is because of the values that support community growth. This inspires women to own a Jibu franchise that produces and sells safe drinking water and makes it accessible to communities that used to walk long distances just to have a drop of refreshment. In rural areas its usually the girl child who carries water from a well to the home and these distances are usually exhausting to say the least. The same can be said for the sourcing of firewood for charcoal used for cooking. The smoke is very dangerous in the home but with the introduction of Jibu Gas (Liquid Petroleum Gas) a cleaner and simpler alternative helps free up the girl child’s time so that she can focus on her schooling.
The future is bright
Jibu’s examples of female franchisors and franchisees are everywhere and their success is fueling a new generation of women to join Jibu’s ranks. Rwanda has 60% female zees and Kenya is on 48%. Our Area Master Franchisors in Burundi and Zambia are a women team and their success is encouraging.
Jibu is the solution and the solution is female. Happy Women’s Month to the women that drive our vision to empower and make a change.
Written by Tabviranhangwe ‘Mellow Creme’ Motsi for Women’s Day Month
