Our Latest Report: Understanding the Impact and Value of Small, Powerful Groups

Introducing WEvolution’s 2024 Summary Impact Report: A Decade of Empowerment and Transformation

We are proud to present WEvolution’s 2024 Summary Impact Report, which reflects on a decade of progress and significant change for women across Scotland and beyond. This report is the culmination of a mixed-method impact evaluation, showcasing the profound impact our Small, Powerful Groups (SPGs) have had on individuals and communities.

Through peer-led support, WEvolution has been a catalyst for change, empowering women to take control of their lives and build better futures. The findings of this report highlight six key areas where our model has created lasting impact:

1. Improved Social Support and Belonging

WEvolution has strengthened social networks, with 84.3% of our members reporting improved social support. SPG members are significantly more likely to turn to someone in their community for support compared to the Scottish average. One member shared, “Suddenly I felt positive, confident, and I had a renewed sense of purpose.”

2. Increased Confidence and Sense of Control

Nearly 88% of WEvolution members reported feeling more confident since joining, with 71.2% experiencing a greater sense of control over their lives. Our SPGs lie at the heart of this transformation, providing a foundation for personal growth.

3. Improved Mental Health and Well-being

Our members have reported better mental health and well-being scores than the Scottish average, despite a large percentage living in the most deprived areas of the country. “It’s been life-changing. My mental health has gotten so much better,” said one member, highlighting the profound personal impact of WEvolution.

4. Increased Entrepreneurship and Economic Activity

WEvolution has inspired a surge in entrepreneurship, with nearly 1 in 2 members running or starting a business. This marks a remarkable shift from just 13% when they joined. Additionally, 47% fewer members are not formally employed, and there’s been a 55% increase in formal training enrollment.

5. Improved Financial Well-being

Over 57% of our members have developed a habit of saving, and 56.1% feel more financially secure since joining SPGs. The combination of savings, microfinance, and enterprise support has enabled women to build financial resilience and independence.

6. Positive Impacts on Children

The benefits of WEvolution extend beyond the women involved—73% of participants felt they became more positive role models for their children, and 30% saw their children becoming more entrepreneurial. As one member noted, “The importance of children seeing their mother more confident and connected cannot be overstated.”

A People-led Movement with Long-lasting Impact

WEvolution is one of the few examples of a genuinely people-led movement, supporting and empowering women at scale. Our unique infrastructure—combining peer support, savings, business, and enterprise training—has enabled women to lead non-linear transformative journeys, empowering them to make sustainable changes in their lives.

We invite you to explore the 2024 Summary Impact Report as well as the full report and celebrate with us the incredible progress we’ve made over the past decade. Together, we are building a future where women are empowered to lead, thrive, and create lasting change.