K40 million gives hope for women economic empowerment in Mzimba

Malawi: A total of 40 women's forums in Mzimba are expected to benefit from the MK40 million under the Audacity to Disrupt Violence Against Women and Girls project, which is being implemented by ActionAid Malawi with funding from UN Women through the EU-funded Spotlight Initiative programme.

Women's groups are expected to be economically empowered as part of a campaign dubbed #Zayera, which will see women increase their participation in economic activities through digital financial spaces such as Airtel Money Mobile Transaction platforms.

The Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati, launched the #Zayera campaign on Friday, which was marked by an MK40 million donation to women groups in Mount Chief M'mbelwa in Mzimba.

She expressed optimism that the campaign would help reduce cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the district.

Kaliati emphasised the importance of education and economic independence in reducing the risks that perpetuate gender inequalities.

The Gender Minister praised the collective effort of organisations and the Women's Movement for projects such as #Zayera, which are designed to reduce poverty and promote gender equality.

Pamela Kuwali, Executive Director of Action Aid, stated that the funds were intended for the women in this forum to use as loans within themselves and to invest in various businesses.

She stated that the loan interest would eventually be shared amongst themselves via Airtel money as a digital platform, with the capital investment used to assist other women in their respective areas as well.

Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa V acknowledged that gender-based violence persists and called for increased action to combat dropouts and early marriages in order to keep girls in school. He welcomed Zayera as a means of economic transformation for the district's women.