PAWER- August 2020 issue

1 Entrepreneurship CONTENTS & being a woman in politics 3 Esther Sagawa 5 6 A tale of a farmer from the village of Masache 7 Irene Chipao 8 9 Courage is key 11 Stella Olodi 13 Diversification is key to grow sources of income. 15 Melifa Kulemera 17 18 Mindset Change is key for business developmet 19 Grace Nyirenda 20 24 Follow your passion Esther Zulu Defining policy direction for women in the informal sector during crisis Ezelina Kamaliza Impact of gbv, gender inequalities on women and girls in malawi Habiba Rezwana Osman Enforcement of economic rights of women Prisca Chipao World connect leads localization development drive in malawi Fred Simwaka Women economic empowerment Fred Simwaka Do not let your money lie idle Gift Mberere Makolija A source of income saves you from stress Sheila Chagwambale Taking the African Story to the world Bertha Lilian Munthali Meet the Empower Team Thoko Kachingwe

Empower Esther Sagawa Entrepreneur & Politician 1

Entrepreneurship & being a woman in politics Esther Sagawa My Name is Esther Amina Sagawa, Empowertu, Lilongwe city Centre Constituency in the Born Malawian in Lilongwe, I am tripartite elections and with the Grace of the Lord, 27 Years Old, Married to Pastor the community entrusted me with their votes and I Cosmas Sagawa of Christ emerged the winner of the election. I have since Embassy Malawi and together been entrusted to lead the Vice chairperson for we have a wonderful Son, Female Councilors in Malawi. Precious. To date, through my leadership, we have erected Growing up in a family of 4 girls and being the first, Street lights in my community and are in the I have always had passion for a better life, I love to process of building a community park to support surround myself with positive minded people so youth recreational activities and help to combat that I can be able to learn from them. With my the use of drug and substance abuse. passion to serve, I have been a leader for youth groups, mobilizing fellow youths to bring about the We have renovated the community market to help change that we need in our community through business people to maximize their profits through active participation in different projects and sales and we are building community car parks as programs. In my tenure as the Executive Director of parking spaces in my community have been a big 5D Youth Group we managed to launch a GIVE A challenge. CHILD A BOOK campaign where more than 500 As they say “great leaders are forged in times of students in Lilongwe benefitted by receiving crisis”. The covid-19 pandemic has caused me to books, pens, pencils, uniforms to help them carry realize that the community needs servant leaders on with their education. more during this crisis. Being a leader, a wife and a mother, there is a lot of trust and many Employment has been one of the greatest expectations placed on me, I have had to grow in challenges for young people in Malawi. Having this my capabilities, pray more and continue to work on in mind, I decided to be part of the change and myself to be a better leader and role model. create employment for myself and my fellow youth. In 2012, I established Cross Africa Technologies As a community leader and a young entrepreneur, (C.A.T), an ICT company which provides security I intend to advocate for policies that will especially systems. C.A.T has so far recruited 10 youths on help in financing women led SME’s and lobbying temporal basis which helps them to gain for implementation of policies that facilitate experience in the field and learn new skills. In the progressive cross-border trade. The economy is the year 2015, I also ventured into a cleaning service backbone of every nation. business, STARCOE. Since then, STARCOE has I believe in God and I know that he helps me to employed atleast 400 youths and also given some deliver my responsibilities with excellence. I of them an opportunity to go back to school. 2 of continue to thank God the opportunities he has the employees who have pursued their education entrusted me with, my family and the community with help from the company have completed their for their continued support throughout my nursing studies with some are who are still in journey. secondary school To all young women of Malawi, work hard and follow your dreams. Do not Realizing that my passion and goals are bigger that fear pursuing your dreams, know that what I had already achieved, I decided to serve my you are uniquely made with a purpose community in a larger and more significant way. In and your ideas are valid, May God bless 2019, I contested as a Ward councilor for Chimu you as you make the right decisions, 2

A TALE OF A FARMER FROM THE VILLAGE OF MSECHE Irene Chipao EmpowerBeing a woman, there are Can anything good come out of Mseche village? so many roles that we Mseche is a typical village in Mchinji district in the play in our families and in Ccentral region of Malawi. Growing up in Mseche was society. farming requires adequate supervision difficult for most girls as living standards were poor which makes balancing and most girls would be married off as soon as they hit of roles as a mother, a puberty as parents would say; to reduce the number wife difficult. Most times of mouths to feed. As if living in poverty was not the roles that women enough, I lost my parents at the age of 3 and was play domestically and in taken up by grandmother’s younger sister who raised society are me in a very hostile environment. My name is Irene underappreciated and Chipao and I am the last born in a family of four ladies. unnoticed. When my parents died, I was separated from my siblings as one family could not afford to take us all in 3 so we were separated. I remember being given six pulses of beans with soup on the palm to eat with nsima ( Malawi’s staple food ). Once your beans were finished, you were done eating. We used to watch over mphale ( maize being processed to make maize flour) all day long as the house rules were that if a goat eats any of the mphale, there would be no food for you as your food has already been eaten by the goat.

I learnt to work hard as young as I was. I I aspire to be a role model to the young girls woke up very early in the morning to go to in my home village, Mseche. I hope to help the farm and would not leave until I had make them believe that they too can make completed my assigned portion for that it. That great achievers can come out of particular day or I would not eat. Mseche Village. I have made a promise to At the age of eight, I was rescued by a myself to not miss church activities and I well-wishing family who took me in and sent make sure that I am present for all my me to school. As though the gods were children’s activities and at the same time be against me, my adopted father who was the present at the farm. This calls for adequate bread winner in the home passed on when I planning in order to see all-round progress. was in form one. This was a hard blow to my Some of the challenges that I have adopted family and to me as I did not know experienced as a woman entrepreneur in what would become of me at that point. In agri-business include availability of capital. the spirit of not giving up, I started a small Most farming requires one to have land and business of making and selling mandazi acquiring land as a woman not easy. There (small flitters) to earn some income for my are several patriarchal barriers but also for upkeep. I was later taken up by Roman women like me that do not have other Catholic Sisters who sent me to Ludzi sources of income, it becomes difficult to Secondary School to complete my put resources together to acquire land. secondary education and I am forever Penetrating larger markets is also a grateful that God used them to help me. challenge. Currently, Malawi still imports Upon completing my secondary education, I vegetables from neighboring countries. For was privileged us as local to enroll into farmers to have theology our products college where I recognized and met my make it to the husband and affluent markets we got married where prices are 3 years later. My reasonable husband and I becomes a began our challenge. married life in a mud hut 'with Being a woman, there are so nothing but a many roles that we play in our wooden bed families and in society. farming with cartons on requires adequate it, but over the supervision which makes balancing of roles as a mother, a wife difficult. Most times the years, God has roles that women play domestically and in society are underappreciated and blessed us and unnoticed. we have grown in our dreams. Although we are now living in the city, I have never forgotten the training that I received growing up. The harsh treatment that I received from my grandmother’s sister taught me hard work and I have carried that with me all my life. I never stopped farming. My passion for Lastly, I encourage Malawian women to be proactive and pursue their dreams farming has grown a lot more over the years. beginning wherever they are. Agri-business is a profitable business although most I have reared broiler chickens for women shun from it as it is regarded as dirty and labor intensive, however, the rewards commercial purposes. I currently grow a are worth the work and the satisfaction of seeing your hard work materialize into variety of vegetables including tomatoes, products that people can enjoy is in itself fulfilling. Women can be breadwinners too. carrots, onions, eggplants, sugarcane and Let us strive for the best, encourage the younger women and improve the maize. I had been farming on a small scale livelihoods of our communities. just for my family and sometimes share the produce with my community but in 2016, I decided to invest in purchasing farm land to begin farming on a larger scale for commercial purposes. Being a pastor’s wife Empower and a mother makes it difficult to balance the roles but my passion pushes me to work harder. 4

COURAGE IS KEY Stella Olodi from But she remained focused until It’s not right for men to disregard sometime later when customers their their wives interests to start Kapanda area in Lilongwe is the began flocking to her shop. She is businesses, both husband and only female tailor in her area. now able to carter for her family wife have the responsibility to Though the idea to venture into needs and her husband is proud provide for the family so women business faced much resistance of her. should be allowed to venture into from her husband, she defied her Olodi is able to manage both her entrepreneurship if they have community’s idea that tailoring family and business at the same nothing to do.” is only for men. time, contrary to her Stella Olodi also belongs to Olodi also sells tailoring community’s impression that Chimwala women’s group materials. She says the idea women lose focus on their where she gets peer support came after discovering that families when they venture into through business discussions people travel long distances to business. She says “Time and financial opportunities with management is all that matters, her fellows. buy the materials at am able to manage my family Lilongwes city’s mainEmpowerand run my business at the same market. Her business time. took time gain momentum as people showed no interest to access her services. 5

Diversification is key to grow sources of income. Melifa Kulemera is a farmer and she also owns a mini grocery shop. Her dream to become an entrepreneur started many years ago but she felt she did not have enough capital and technical expertise on how to run the business. After participating in the first three trainings of Kulemera says women should have confidence the Mzimayi wa Lero trainings under it is when and not doubt their abilities to have a business she realised that she could start a business with that is successful. the little she had. She says “I do both farming “Lack of economic independence will just put us and groceries business because I realised that at risk of being abused by our spouses, so let’s relying one business only will not grow my fight hard, earn a living and protect ourselves” income. It is possible to start a business with a adds Kulemera. small amount of money, just be focused on Her word of advice to young women are, for what you are doing, and the business will them to start creating businesses from the ideas grow.” they have before it’s too late; rushing into marriages is not a solution to financial problems. Empower 6

Mindset Change is key for business developmet Grace Nyirenda’s Story EmpowerGrace Nyirenda from Chinsapo 2, Lilongwe She explains “I have witnessed some owns a cosmetics shop. She started her women in my area failing to make strides in business using her severance pay after their lives because of discouragements losing her job in 2014. She has since been from the community. It is now high time able to build a house for herself and her for people to dispel that primitive thinking children using proceeds of her business. and realise that women can also perform She is also able to solely pay for the school equally or even better compared to their fees of her two children. male counterparts. Parents should play a Grace cites that being focused, courageous crucial role in supporting their children and visionary are key factors that have especially the girl-child to grow with contributed to her success. On the other unfearful spirit when it comes to venturing hand, Grace laments poor mindset that into entrepreneurship.” some communities still have on women. In order for women-led businesses to thrive She points out the mindset through the pandemic, Grace asks that the that women cannot perform government should consider providing equally or better than men is financial support in form of loans at what has dragged many reduced interest rates to women females to the risk of Gender entrepreneurs in order for them to survive based violence in many areas. the current economic crisis. 7

Follow your passion Esther Zulu Instead of whining and living a life that conforms to the norms of expectation, Zulu decided to pursue her passion despite what society has deemed to be the norm. she chose to not pursue a college qualification just to please society but instead invested in a business and has not looked back since. Sugarcane, maize, guavas, mangoes, freezes, Zulu says the idea of Empower thobwa, fritters, name it, I have sold it on the streets. attaining higher education 23-year-old Esther Zulu who spent her childhood just to get employment in years in Chiweza village began selling items on the underpaying streets from a young age. she would go to the organisations is the main market after school to sale whatever was in season factor that has led many at that time to assist her single mother with money youths to frustration. for their daily food. “Many youths in Malawi have graduated from college but remain jobless even with their Zulu was later taken up by her Mother’s sister who qualifications. “As young people, we need to lives in the capital city where she completed her change our mindset; success does not come only secondary school education. Throughout her through employment. We can succeed in life by schooling, Zulu still engaged in small businesses using our skills and abilities to employ ourselves like selling freezes, thobwa and cosmetics to make and eventually others, says Zulu. The world is no some little income for herself. longer the same, government cannot employ every one of us.” In 2019, she was enrolled at the Lilongwe Technical College to study Community development Inspired by her parents who opened her mind to program. During her first semester, Zulu realised venture into business, Zulu feels that that she was more interested in pursuing a entrepreneurship is a key to success for young business as she found myself investing more of her people and poverty eradication in Malawi. She says time in the small businesses that she was doing. Malawi can be transformed if every parent takes a She then decided to focus on her business as that is role in supporting the business ideas that their where her passion has always been and she excels children have, not all children need to be restricted at it. Zulu then put together funds realised from her to classrooms. small businesses and decided to venture into grocery retailing. Zulu encourages fellow young girls to have focus, know what they want from life and pursue it. Today, one year later, Zulu has more than tripled the “I urge my fellow girls to be ambitious and work capital that she began with. “My grocery store is not hard on their dreams. It’s high time we realised that yet what I envision it to be but it has grown as girls also have the role to contribute to economic tremendously from when it started. My dream is development of our families and Malawi at large. It that one day my grocery store will be a prominent all begins within our mindset.” supermarket that will be available in different parts Esther’s vision is to steadily grow of the country”, she says. her enterprise in order to employ fellow youth and her best tip for business success is saving, re-investing and adequate financial planning. 8

Defining policy direction for women in the informal sector during crisis Ezelina Kamaliza The Covid-19 pandemic has brought disruptions in various spheres of life including the way businesses are conducted for both the formal and the informal sector. The running of small and medium enterprises that largely employs in the informal sector has been affected across the world. I have interacted with women in the informal business sector and their stories are of despair as they feel policies only favour those in the formal business sector. Tiwine Kamwendo plies her trade in hair products at Limbe market in Blantyre city, southern Malawi. She gets her stock from South Africa where she was able to travel to in order to buy the latest and fashionable hair products to keep her business ahead of time. “This enabled me to have a large customer base whereby I catered for both high markets and low markets.Business was booming. Before the Covid-19 epidemic, business was quite good. I started with a low capital but by and by I managed to grow the business.

However this has not been the She attributes this to fewer In guiding policy response to support women like Kamwendo case for Kamwendo since travel people coming going to work at and Saidi to thrive despite the challenges posed by the restrictions were imposed in the offices in the city centre due pandemic Oxfam Malawi’s country director Lingalireni March by the South African to COVID-19 and priorities Mihowa notes that the women in the informal sector are already in government to try and halt the changing on how people are the peripheral and require target response as they contribute spread of covid-19. spending their money because significantly to the economy of the country and the region. She says with the travel every business has been affected. In a policy brief Oxfam Malawi notes that some proposed restrictions, business has been These impacts shared by the two measures such a lockdown that failed to hold in Malawi revealed slow, because it takes a lot longer women working in Malawi’s inequalities, the brief states that, low-income groups, especially for products to reach Malawi informal sector attest to findings vendors, daily wage and piece (ganyu) workers in the informal from SA and at a higher cost. in a report on the impact of sector, came out in droves to demonstrate against different “On the local scene what has also covid-19 pandemic on the SADC elements of the COVID measures, especially proposed closure of affected us is the change in economy by SADC Council of markets and the lack of cushion against the measures. priorities by most people. A Ministers in March 2020 via video The policy brief by Oxfam also warns that it is apparent that any majority are focusing on stocking conference. COVID response measures that do not acknowledge the informal up home products then buying The report notes that the sector as a lynchpin of urban livelihoods are doomed to failure hair products or cosmetics” reduction or suspension of as informality pervades the urban life. added Kamwendo. activities due to movement Mihowa acknowledges that the pandemic has also presented a restrictions has been leading to wakeup call for the informal sector particularly women in the Speaking to the ministry of trade job loss particularly for those sector to have structures that support access to policy spokesperson Mayeso Msokera, working in the informal sector, interventions in times of crisis and after the crisis. he said with the impact the poor sales and bankruptcy. This “for business continuity governments need avoid over pandemic has had on women in requires swift policy and action to regulation as this can lead to suffocating the informal sector, business with an example of address the challenges posed by this can be bad for business continuity” advised Mihowa. Kamwendo’s story the slowdown the crisis and to ensure that the If women’s economic rights are to be upheld, policies developed in business will contribute to informal sector is protected the in times of crisis should also accommodate the continuity of escalating levels of poverty in the best way possible. businesses for those in the informal sector. This will ensure country and the region. This is for business continuity that livelihoods are supported because over 80% of the traders and that those in the informal sector in the informal sector are women. governments need avoid over contribute “Though Malawi has maintained actively to the open borders, the flow of goods regulation as this can lead to recovery of the economy of the in dependent on neighbouring suffocating the informal country after countries which has a direct any crisis. bearing on the growth of SMEs sector, this can be bad for which are an essential for business continuity economic growth” says Masokera. Talking to women vendors selling fruits on the streets of Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe they say due to SADC’s Informal cross-border local measures put in place to trade(ICBT) which Kamwendo is combat the pandemic business part of, according to the Food has also taken a down turn and and agriculture organisation supporting their families is a constitutes a major form of challenge. informal activity in most African and it makes up an estimated 30- Abibi Saidi sales seasonal fruits in 40 percent of total intra-SADC Lilongwe’s city centre and says trade, with an estimated value of merchandise that she used to $17.6billion. Typically, women sale in one day it now takes 3 represent up to 70% of ICBT in days to sale and most of the fruits the continent, trading a variety of go bad before she can sale them. commodities either in raw or “Being a mother, life has been semi-processed, including basic hard with COvid-19 with less to luxury goods produced in sales sometimes I leave home other countries. Without candid only able to carter for breakfast policies implemented to for the kids and there isn’t safeguard the interest of those in enough money for lunch they the informal trade that Empower have to wait till I go back home in contributes significantly to the evening” says Saidi. Malawi’s economy as well as SADC as a region the losses could be devastating. 10

IMPACT OF GBV, GENDER INEQUALITIES ON WOMEN AND GIRLS IN MALAWI By Habiba Rezwana OsmanEmpower However, there has been some progress in terms of (written in my personal capacity) the policy and legal frameworks that have been enacted and developed in the past 13 years. More As someone working for the UN, and in particular, interesting to note with the advent of technology, is leading in the thematic area of elimination of that there is more reporting of cases of GBV, child violence against women and girls- I am privileged to marriage and other harmful cultural practices access information from the various UN platforms occurring in our society. Even in the remotest places, that are tracking the impact of gender-based where for example, a duty bearer like a policeman or violence in this pandemic phase that we are in. One a chief de le a girl or where a woman is molested, such platform is the bi-weekly digest which is a media is capturing these stories and reporting in compilation of the most recent evidence and print and social media platforms. information updates on COVID-19 in relation to Additionally, the proliferation of NGOs, grassroots domestic violence, child marriage and harmful activists and other players coming to the fore to cultural practices in the region. The digest provides raise alarms and demand justice on the inequalities all organizations and individuals working on the have improved the culture of speaking out against prevention of and response to harmful practices gender inequalities. globally with the latest published materials from a The Msundwe and Bwatalika case, which was taken wide range of sources. up by Women Lawyers Association in 2019 has just received a positive judgement by the High Court. This article also bene ts from the rich resources, This is one example where we note response sources and interventions that are happening on mechanisms working from the Justice sector. the ground in relation to GBV reports, child marriage Globally, even before the COVID-19 pandemic and teenage pregnancies in some districts of began, 1 in 3 women experienced physical or sexual Malawi. The issues that we grapple with in Malawi violence mostly by an intimate partner. Emerging have always been the lack of funding to fully data shows an increase in calls to domestic violence implement programs and projects that are helplines in many countries since the outbreak of sustainable and make a long-lasting impact on the COVID-19. Sexual harassment and other forms of lives of people. It is not surprising therefore that this violence against women continue to occur on streets, in public spaces and online (cyberviolence). pandemic is bringing out these issues more to the fore. In addition, gender inequalities are also embedded in the patriarchal nature of our systems and culture which still exists despite Covid-19. 11

Survivors have limited information and awareness However, I believe there are several things that canEmpower about available services and limited access to be done while we face this pandemic, for example: support services. In some countries, resources and Building strong advocacy and awareness about e orts have been diverted from violence against increased violence against women and girls during women response to immediate COVID-19 relief. The COVID-19. I am glad to note that the Protection existing crisis of GBV is likely to worsen in the cluster, and several organizations, are using the context of Covid-19 in many countries, as has been various platforms including social and print media reported. to raise red ags combined with advocacy strategies Malawi being one of the poorest countries in the which are central in highlighting the inequalities world, girls in poor households have no access to that still persist in our society. technology which means that most girls are unable Engaging with media outlets to continue raising the to access education. As such, we are registering visibility of increased violence against women and reports that girls are desperate to help their families girls. Demonstrating how the risk factors that drive survive the tough times brought about by this violence are exacerbated in the context of pandemic and are more likely than boys to turn to COVID-19 is also vital. Providing information child marriage as a way to ease economic strains. In including through public service announcements to Nkhatabay district for example, it has been reported survivors of domestic violence and service referrals that 221 girls had fallen pregnant by early August on how to safely continue employment using 2020. accessible formats for di erent groups of women should be enhanced. “More reports indicate that the Activists, practitioners, and advocates must also burden of care is on women and proactively challenge gender stereotypes and girls to take care of the sick and harmful masculinities, accentuated under COVID-19 the chores in the home during the circumstances (e.g. increased household care work pandemic.” for women, nancial insecurity/unemployment), with targeted messages for men in order to The COVID-19 pandemic is also likely to increase encourage healthy ways of coping with stressful domestic violence. However, since we have not situations. More reports indicate that the burden of e ected quarantine and isolation policies yet, care is on women and girls to take care of the sick Malawi may not experience the levels of GBV as and the chores in the home during the pandemic. seen elsewhere. If Malawi would enforce a strict Sensitizing and engaging the private sector using lockdown, we would likely see health systems available global guidance on how to prevent and stretching to a breaking point. The lack of domestic respond to violence against women and girls, violence shelters which is a service de cit can have including female employees who work from home negative consequences for Malawi in the COVID-19 during COVID-19 and experience domestic response. There is also a strong likelihood of violence. increased prevalence rates of gender-based Finally, there is also need to ensure that all violence in public spaces. Most women especially, authorities intensify on messages of safety for who ply their trade in open markets will be unable women and girls throughout di erent stages of the to operate as they normally do. Other women may pandemic to reduce inequalities and GBV during resort to prostitution just to fend for themselves. this time through various forms of dialogue that Some women will likely face increased fear and are feasible while at the same time avoid gathering violence as they travel through cities or rural public people in large groups. spaces, where streets and transport are much more deserted now. 12 Issues of coordination are key in this regard. Even where basic essential services are maintained, a collapse in a coordinated response between di erent sectors, for example, health, police and justice and social services response will mean that sectors will be challenged to provide meaningful and relevant support to women and girls who are experiencing violence, child marriage and other forms of abuse.

Enforcement of economic rights of women Prisca Chipao

n our society, the women who break barriers According to the United are those who ignore limits, Arnold Nations, human rights Schwarzenegger once said. After seven years ensure that a human of marriage and three children. Takondwa is being will be able to fully develop and use Istill trying to convince her husband to allow human qualities such her to pursue a career in Human Resource as intelligence, talent Management (HRM) which she is passionate and conscience. about. Being a holder of a bachelor’s degree in HRM, Takondwa has always dreamt of working Human rights reflect the minimum standards for an international organisation as a Human necessary for people to live with dignity and give Resource professional. people the freedom to choose how they live and how they express themselves. This includes So many women in Malawi find themselves in women’s rights to pursue economic activities of situations like Takondwa. They have brilliant their choice. ideas, sound qualifications, incontestable capabilities and a desire to pursue economic W Women’s rights to land, activities, but they are suppressed by the society property, food, work and social which has taught women to place marriage security, are intrinsically linked above their own dreams. We often hear of to the right to attain an women who have been given ultimatums by adequate standard of living. All their spouses to choose between pursuing these rights are guaranteed under international economic activities and staying in marriage. human rights law, including the right to enjoy Reasons for some men discouraging their these rights on an equal basis with men, without spouses from exercising their human right to discrimination. Women’s access to productive pursue economic activities is a whole story to be resources and freedom to decide economic shared another day. Patriarchy is an unjust social activities is paramount to the realization of the system that simply has no justification although above-mentioned rights. it remains prevalent in our society. According to the United Nations, human rights ensure that a human being will be able to fully Section 29 of the constitution of the Republic of develop and use human qualities such as Malawi provides for the right to economic intelligence, talent, and conscience. Deterring activity. “Every person shall have the right to women from pursuing economic activities is freely engage in economic activity, to work and depriving them of their right to fully develop and to pursue a livelihood anywhere in Malawi”. This use their qualities for their pleasure and benefit. right is for all persons, including all women. Therefore, it is unimaginable for some men to The constitution of the Republic of Malawi also think that this right applies only to them and not provides for equality of all persons despite their their spouses or women in general. Being an gender. This equality is not foregone when one advocate for women economic empowerment, I decides to enter the union of marriage. Both come across so many women who ask what they men and women enter the union of marriage as can do if their spouses won’t allow them to equal partners with equal human rights, pursue any economic activities. They ask if they therefore it is imperative that no spouse should need to report their spouses to the police. These have authority to deprive their partner of their questions put them at crosswords because they inherent rights. I advocate that women, just like don’t have to choose either of the two as just like men, should have the freedom to choose any human being, they have the right to enjoy whether they desire to pursue economic both simultaneously. Unfortunately, this activities and do so freely. Financial freedom dilemma is real for many women. provides security and boosts confidence. It is high time that men begin to recognise women Human rights enforcement is a question that still as partners in economic growth and leaves a lot unanswered. Unfortunately, women not spectators. are the most negatively affected by these gaps. For instance, women’s rights to access, control The gap remains. How do we enforce Empower and own land have continuously been neglected women’s right to enjoy economic and violated over the years despite being activities of their choice? How do we provided for by the law. Section 24 of the 2010 penalize spouses who violate this constitution provides women the right to full and human right and yet still protect their equal protection by the law, and the right not to marriage? be discriminated against on the basis of their gender or marital status which includes rights to be accorded the same rights as men in civil law. It also provides for the equal capacity for women to enter into contracts and to acquire and maintain rights in property, independently or in association. 14

WORLD CONNECT LEADS LOCALIZATION DEVELOPMENT DRIVE IN MALAWI Frank Charles KasongaEmpower At World Connect, we continue to be inspired by Country Director- Malawi the efforts of our partners, 70% of whom are young women to support their communities implement Local community engagement has long been projects of their choice and reap the huge benefits championed as a central factor for sustainable in their communities. As leaders adjust, pivot, and international development. Similarly, most donor evolve around COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen and national development programs emphasize our Established Field Partners do the same to keep the need to empower local leaders, as well as their respective communities safe. The two years of strengthen local communities and institutions. our work in Malawi has shown that once given an However, the extent to which development opportunity, women go beyond the norm in programs successfully put these principles into ensuring their communities are empowered while action is frequently questioned, particularly in at the same time gaining leadership skills low-resource and donor-dependent countries themselves. Two projects sampled below such as Malawi. In Malawi World Connect was implemented by Mercy Kafotokoza and Ulala registered in 2018 to spearhead the localization Kondowe are examples of how women are leading drive through its community led grant making the way to ensure their fellow women and process. Supported by the United States Agency community members are heard, connected to for International Development (USAID) Office of necessary resources to achieve desired results and Sustainable Development, and other private are at the center of turning their collective ideas funders, World Connect works with like-minded into actions. organizations that place volunteers deep in the community across Malawi. From just a dream in 2018, Mercy Kafotokoza through Wandikweza has defied all odds to Since then, World Connect has conducted several facilitate establishment of community health and rounds of grant-making in Malawi to project education facilities in Nkhafi Village in Dowa teams throughout the country, with 170+ projects District. A Nurse and Midwife by profession, Mercy approved to date. Each project is sourced through has changed the story of the village through the a network of Established Field Partners (EFPs) Ebenezer Library which was launched with $5,000 who submit proposals in cooperation with local from World Connected and later leveraged over leaders and community-based organizations $15,000 from Segal Family Foundation and (CBOs). Proposals are not limited to specific MANICA to ensure both the Library and the clinic technical areas nor tied to a pre-defined set of sectors are operational. To date, over 120 students outcomes. Rather, projects are intended to reflect have found conducive space to study and enhance needs as defined by communities. Projects are their reading skills amidst education challenges implemented across a period of 6 to 9 months on caused by COVID-19. The center also provides average championing our ethos of small space for an average of 277 people with malaria, investment, quick implementation equals greater pneumonia, diarrhea, and family planning cases and sustained impact at community level. At which are treated every day, decongesting the World Connect, we believe that projects are more nearby Chakhaza Health Center. We Salute the sustained when communities have a sense of impact Mercy is making and we are delighted to be attachment and ownership to the project by a key partner contributing to her leadership and organizational growth. leading in identification of the project idea, investing in it and Breaking the Silence: Demystifying having the opportunity to menstruation myths and taboos- A dream for implement it themselves. What Ulala Carol Kondowe- Menstruation is a daily differentiates us from other actors reality for millions of women and girls around the is our trust in people to manage globe. their own destiny. 15

A natural biological process which should dignify To amplify the impact of the project, GNM received women and girls, has become a subject of shame another $3,425.60 from World Connect to that is rarely talked about. This silence is largely construct a washroom with three pit-latrines at connected to the several myths and stigmatization Chisawani Primary School in Mpemba Zone in surrounding menstruation. Different cultures in Blantyre. Over 864 girls have gained easy access to Malawi still vilify menstruation and see decent and hygienic toilets in the process menstruating women and girls as “dirty” and increasing the time spent at school especially “impure”. Recognizing the negative impacts of during menstruation. The project has led to such discrimination on the millions of girls who see decongestion of other sanitary facilities leading to their monthly cycle, Girls Network Malawi, a local increased hygiene and sanitation at the school organization was founded by Ulala Kondowe, a which will likely increase healthy living and secondary school teacher in a bid to break the performance among all students. silence and shut down myths and taboos associated with menstruation. As Project Manager, I love the model being championed by World Connect. Apart from Ulala, the 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow and unlocking people’s capacity to participate in their the 2018 Obama Foundation Leaders Africa own development efforts, participating in the Program fellow while smiling says, the major process, the community resource matching during objective of the $3,726.03 World Connect funded implementation and the local leadership Mpemba Menstrual Hygiene project is to promote development, catalyzes mindset change. menstrual hygiene amongst poor and vulnerable Communities struggling with extreme poverty girls in schools and communities around Mpemba. receive support directly and use their own available . Since its inception, over 2,564 girls have been assets as tools for development. In just under two directly and indirectly empowered, through years, we have seen communities achieve menstrual hygiene management (MHM) extraordinary progress with modest investments, education while 311 girls have gained practical skills especially compared to many large aid projects I to produce re-usable sanitary pads, a skill which is have seen over the years. being replicated in their communities. It is our belief therefore that programs like Local Development, Constituency Development Fund and other community development programs can follow this model, women, young people will be given platform towards self-empowerment and development of their communities. We continue to witness increased transparency as communities take charge of their grant budgets, and a greater level of ownership of projects and their long-term sustainability. The World Connect model is strengthening the capacity of Malawi’s young women and men, and tapping into their desire to be change agents in their own communities. It is our hope therefore, that programs like Local Development fund, Constituency Development Fund and other community development programs can replicate this model. Women and young people will be given platforms for self-empowerment and development of their communities. We are glad to share our evaluation reports supporting workability of this model in Malawi. Join us as we lead the shift from top down to bottom up with communities being trusted to lead their own development. Empower 16

WOMEN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Ministry of Gender (by Fred Simwaka) The Ministry of Gender, Community Development Women’s limited access to economic opportunities Empower and Social Welfare is undertaking a Women such as employment, income generating activities, Economic Empowerment program so that women business capital, agricultural and markets makes participate in meaningful and productive them very vulnerable to GBV. There is therefore businesses and in the end contribute towards need to address poverty levels through economic social, political and economic development in the empowerment which will directly or indirectly lead country. The Ministry is mandated to ensure that to reduced GBV. Benefits of having economically men, women, boys and girls are socially and empowered women according to Sustainable economically empowered. To achieve this, the Development Goal number 5; economic Ministry is working with various stakeholders and empowerment is an efficient means to eradicate other development partners with the Ministry poverty. providing the overall responsibility of providing In a bid to improve women’s economic policy direction and implementation. To provide participation the Ministry has; policy guidance, the ministry developed a National Action Plan for Women Economic Empowerment, 1. Developed the National Action Plan for 2016 – 2021 which provides guidance on priority Women Economic Empowerment which is areas for women economic empowerment. a guiding strategy for all stakeholders that are working in the area of women economic The majority of Malawian women live in rural areas empowerment of which 71% are illiterate. Agriculture remains the backbone of Malawi’s economy. Currently, 90% of 2. Has conducted stakeholders mapping for all women are full time farmers who contribute 79% of players in the area of women economic agriculture labor and 32% of women earn their empowerment in the country household income from crop production. 3. The Ministry has successfully lobbied for the Currently, 90% of women are full time farmers who Women Economic Empowerment Fund contribute 79% of agriculture labor and 32% of which seats in MEDF women earn their household income from crop production. 4. Has partnered and entered into an MoU with MEDF to link women/women groups to The Ministry defines women economic the institution for access to loans empowerment as; having access to and control over means to make a living on a sustainable and 5. Partnered with MEDF to provide training for long term basis, and receiving the material benefits women before they access loans of this access and control. As such the Ministry looks at women economic empowerment from a 6. In partnership with Ministry of Trade, we holistic approach where it considers four major have developed the 50 Million African priority areas which have been included in the Women Speak Project. National Action Plan for Women Economic Empowerment (2016 -2021); Promotion of Women 7. The Ministry has its own business training /Girl education and Financial Literacy; Facilitation of manual and well-trained extension workers women’s labour and employment; Enhancement in entrepreneurial activities of women’s access to and control of property; and Support of women /entrepreneurial activities. If 8. Provides training in group dynamics, women are empowered in the four priority areas, business management and value addition they are likely to contribute towards the economy skills of the country. The ministry appreciates the nature and weight of It has been proven that poverty contributes a lot to the role it has in promoting the women of Malawi to gender based violence in the country. In the be economically empowered. However, the National Action Plan for GBV, one of the major ministry understands that it cannot fulfill this huge underlying factors of GBV is the limited economic role by itself and therefore calls upon different empowerment of women. stakeholders including women across Malawi to take it upon themselves to play their part and work towards attaining financial freedom and empowering the next woman. Our efforts put together will yield the results that we desire and hope for. 17

Do not Gift Mberere Makolija from let your money Mitundu, Solomon village in Lilongwe owns a nursery lie idle school. However, due to the covid-19 pandemic which has led to closure of schools, Makolija has had to diversify her business and is now selling Rice grain, Beans and Maize flour. Makolija says having a business is the best way to make investments. She began her nursery school in the year 2016 and has been able to purchase a piece of land using proceeds of her school business. Her goal is to build herself a house on her piece of land overcoming the status quo of women not independently owning land in Malawi. Being one of the participants of Mzimayi wa Lero trainings which are conducted by Empower with support from USAID through World Connect, Makolija shared how she has benefited from the trainings. “The trainings have helped me to grow in my knowledge on how to properly spend and save my finances” she says. She cautions her fellow women to strive for economic independence by venturing into businesses with the little resources that they have. EmpowerShe says “A woman who is financially stable is Makolija’s advise to women in business is for them to ready for any emergencies. not keep their money idle. She says in every crisis, Women who fully depend on there are business opportunities. Instead of keeping others for financial help suffer a idle money, invest in a different product or service to lot when they are divorced or create a reliable cycle of your finances. widowed. Start a business with For me, now that schools are closed, I am still able to what you have, your success will generate income from my grain retail business. surely come.” Creativity is key. 18

Chagwambale applauds the entrepreneurship trainings that Empower conducted with women in her community from June 2020, describing the trainings as a contributing factor to her success in business. “I feed my family, pay school fees for my children and provide for my needs through A source of this business. Being economically income saves you from stress independent as a woman, is a protective Sheila Chagwambale measure from stress. If you have your own money there is less to worry about.” She adds that for women to have stable sources of income it helps to save them from abusive relationships as men sometimes take advantage of our inferiority on financial issues. Sheila Chagwambale from Chinsapo, However, Chagwambale’s business has not Empower Mwase village in Lilongwe is a member of been spared from economic hiccups that Tithandizane women’s group, a forum Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the where women discuss and support each country. other in business activities. She feels government loans would be a Chagwambale began her business journey great solution to bail out women from their at a young age in Kasungu district where challenges. she used to sell some groceries in her “I am thriving on the hope that community while still living with her the pandemic will be under parents. She now owns a grocery shop in control soon and that as women Chinsapo trading centre. we will continue to develop skills for our businesses to continue regardless of the disruption.” She 19says.

We bring Africa closer to the children of the world in a way no any Child entertainment network does Bertha Lilian Munthali My Name is Bertha Lilian Munthali (nee Deliberate government programmes on mkandawire) and I work as a nutrition advisor while building my own child financing businesses, especially entertainment network. programmes that are independent and not 1. What is your general analysis of the economic environment in Malawi in politically motivated, are also few. Such relation to women entrepreneurs and business women? bottlenecks limit people(women) to dream Malawi has not reached a point where an big and innovate or be creative. entrepreneur can have confidence of expanding an idea basing on the assumed Another challenge, even if the economic Empower friendly economic environment. In the first environment maybe conducive, is that place, defining a conducive economic entrepreneurs have little or no access to environment for women is complex, and information or research that is informative economic environment may vary with the about businesses, mostly what happens is kind of business and networks one may word of mouth about which business is have, but in general and on average, the working at that time and then there is economic environment bottlenecks proliferation of same business idea women face, are similar. everywhere making it even more difficult The chances of accessing proper funding for someone to sustain it. And sometimes it are slim for many women. Sometimes the just requires breaking down same business requirements for accessing funding into value chains and have players becomes bottlenecks. pick on something rather than have everyone do same thing. 20

For example, not everyone can be intoEmpower But with my mother as an earner, we started confectioneries, others can just be suppliers wearing shoes which we had never worn when of materials, others could be distributors, father was the primary earner, we started others could be marketers. But often we wearing brand new under wears (before then, have noticed a crowding of one stage of the mother used to make me handmade under value chain by so many players. wears from old chitenjes), we started sleeping on beds, before then we used to sleep on the However, with organisations and floor and share a tiny kalulu blanket. Mother government coming in to finance or provide bought a dining set, a sofa set, nice tea loans and knowledge to small businesses, cupboard, things we never dreamt of on the future of entrepreneurship looks father’s salary. promising. There are also certain businesses like mine(child entertainment) which have All this she did within a year or two of her being not been considered a priority in a nation a temporal teacher. Things we could not afford where basic needs like food are a priority. I on father’s salary became affordable on my have had feedback on my business that it mother’s salary. For me that was the time I does not address the immediate needs of understood why women needed to be many Malawians and that it is a very new financially independent and economically category where for example a bank feels it empowered. I think that is the best lived may not have as much returns as would be experience for me. I don’t need one to convince an Agribusiness idea. me with statistics and theories about women economic empowerment and why it is For me this limits people to innovate and important. create because one’s focus is on having a business idea that is familiar, will easily get 3. How easy/difficult is it for women in loans or will easily explain returns to Malawi to penetrate local and financiers. So, in general I would say, many international markets? things are getting better and it is promising for women but we can do better as a nation Malawian women entrepreneurs have to address these bottlenecks. played mostly on the local market, unable to play on regional or global markets. Not that There is need for women to also have clear they cannot play on the larger market but to business plans that clearly shows do so, one’s standards need to meet the investment returns. We also need time for demands of a bigger market, and with little pitches where investors can sit in and buy or no support, many business women have into business ideas, like the way shark tanks failed to competitively compete. operates. That way upcoming entrepreneurs will have proper feedback to build We do not also have many online platform to themselves up and improve on their sell globally. Data is very expensive in Malawi business. to even think of running an online business. The world has shrunk now with internet, one 2. Do you believe that it is important can reach every corner of the world through for women to be financially independent online selling like Amazon, Alibaba, EBay and be economically empowered? If so, have done. Why can’t we have such spaces in why do you believe so. Malawi? I know there are platforms that help people buy from china easily but maybe we Women are home makers and have the can also have selling platforms operating primary understanding of the needs of the from Malawi and selling globally. Then we home. I was raised in my village where my have problems of reliable and cheap father was a teacher and my mother was a shipping. housewife until when I was 12 years, she started a teaching career (she was 40 years If someone buys my product from Malawi when she started working) and my father online, what shipping options are available retired at the same time. Life suddenly took a to make my product reasonable price when complete turn from how it was with father as you add shipping? Can our post offices a bread winner and how it had become revamp and play a role? This is where governments need to support Malawian when mother took over. My father businesses to meet international standards retired getting more and my and expectations by subsidising and mother started with a very low pay reducing certain taxes. of a temporal teacher. 21

In addition, there is need to make online selling EmpowerThe toys are just prototypes and likely to be achievable. Also, make internet affordable for launched once I get an investor. The online transactions and selling as well as accessories are also being worked on. One buying. The market these days is no longer lesson I have learnt pursuing this dream is physical. Alibaba for example opened the door “being consistent is key”. It is not easy. There are for Chinese small businesses, giving them times I feel I am unreasonably ambitious and a access to the world. Covid has further day dreamer, at times I feel lost because I see complicated the markets, we are no longer not so many people doing this network thing gonna move between nations, we are likely to and it makes me feel like I am an outlier. I do more of e-commerce, which means Malawi consider all my money gone into it and lost has to move fast to ensure that even small without making profits, I feel am dumb and businesses have access to the world market clueless about entrepreneurship. through improving ecommerce conditions- internet, shipping and logistics, IT skills, web But then there are times I have so much belief marketing etc etc and faith in my YKN that quitting is not an option. I read about the founder of Disney, Mr 4. You brand is recognized Walt Disney who went through a lot, including internationally; would you please share being bankrupt 7 times, had a nervous the inspiration behind your brand and how breakdown and he kept going until he built one you managed to penetrate the of the most powerful child entertainment international market. networks in the world(that reality scares me, I wish there was an easier way to figure My business is called Yellow Kingdom Network, everything out but reality is, a journey of an an African themed child edutainment network. entrepreneur is never smooth, I may not have This network operates like Disney but not at challenges similar to Mr Disney, but I sure do that scale. I have several components within have my own challenges that keeps me awake my Network that I am pursuing. My business is at night) not fully grown, and it has not even started bringing in returns yet, in fact as it is, I have What advice would you give to Malawian made more losses than gains, but it is women upcoming entrepreneurs? promising because slowly it is being recognised more. 5. What advice would you give to Malawian women upcoming entrepreneurs? Running an entertainment network requires a lot more work and time to fully grow. The one First identify your passion, what is it that you do product that has pushed my network brand is that gives you absolute joy, then monetise that. the doll. It is called African girl doll Kamdothi Any business motivated by purely making (its story is based on Kamdothi). The dolls are money can be frustrating when the money widely known now and have caught interest of takes forever without coming in, or when the many people locally as well as globally. money comes, so what? You need a business that fulfils your pocket and your spirit. In addition, I am working on story books, animations and accessories which we are I have worked on my project for 8 years and it slowly introduced to the market. It is a very slow has not made me the money that I wanted and business as I must also learn to be an artist as in the process, I have lost more money also, but well as a business person (sometimes you can’t it has consistently been a business that I am be both and you need to have support and in building because I am passionate and it gives my case my manager/partner Mayamiko Jere me absolute joy every time I accomplish a handles most of the business building part). component of my network like bringing the Greatest challenge we have is proper financing. mental picture of a doll I have in my head to a product I hold in my hand. I am currently pushing to do more in the animation front but using my dolls as main Or when I conceptualise a project for TV and I characters in a show I call Malawiamoto village finally start working on it, and that is reason where the dolls act on so many issues. It is enough that it has survived and now started under the Animated TV series and there are showing signs of bringing in money, gaining more stories under this component that am recognition. Maybe because I also have a working on. I have also pushed on bed time full-time job so I may not be speaking stories with the story of Kamdothi coming out from someone else’ angle who has soon. plans to do business to survive on it. 22

However, the bottom line is pursuing a Wanga Wathu project/business that gives you reason and meaning and purpose, money will follow. Chichi Again, understand your business nature and identify your strongest traits. For me, as a creative person, I have been able to slowly build my business components over time, playing on my strength as a story teller and a creative artist, which I do very well. Be patient like a Chinese bamboo, it will be under ground for 5 years and then once it shoots up, it grows faster and taller within a short period of time. Growing a Business is like planting a seed, water it, tend to it and let it grow. Otherwise you may end up starting and quitting because you want to see quick results. Consistency is very key. Seek help where necessary from those who have been on the same path, learn from them. Keep calm because the life of entrepreneurs is not free from frustrations, regrets, anger, self-loathing at times. It’s very normal but stay focused and always remember if you conceived the idea, you will birth it. Avoid jumping into a business simply because you heard that someone is making a killing with it. Do your thorough research about your product, the market, etc. Mistake I made was to assume that every parent with kids will buy my dolls simply because they are black dolls, but that was not the case. As a fairly new concept of black dolls on our market, certain parents told me that their kids preferred white dolls. And this was because the white dolls like Barbie or Sofia the first were also characters in cartoons the kids watched and this meant I had to re-strategize and hence my focus more and more on using the dolls as characters in shows like Malawiamoto. Finally, connect to a higher power, whatever you believe in, connect to it and when everything else fails to give you answers, close your eyes, be still and just listen to the higher power or inner self. Empower Tumbika 23

MEET THEEMPOWER MANAGEMENT TEAM

K nitted together and fuelled by a G race holds a Bachelor’s shared passion for women Degree of Education. She is empowerment, the Empower also a communication expert Management Team is made up and an entrepreneur. of seven ladies— Thokozani Kachingwe is a Prisca Chipao, Ezelina Kamaliza, development practitioner Mphatso Kachingwe, Grace and currently pursuing a Mwale, Hendrine Kachule, Masele Nene Lwamba and Thokozani Kachingwe. Each of the ladies is personally inspired to work with and empower women. Prisca, founder of the initiative, is a lawyer, an entrepreneur and an advocate for women and youth economic empowerment. Ezelina, who is the initiative’s co-founder, is a Development Communication and Media practitioner. She is also an entrepreneur and a youth empowerment advocate. Mphatso is the team’s financial manager. Her profession is a blend of Human Resource Management and Rural and Community Development. Master’s Degree in Development Studies. Hendrine is a Human Sciences and Community Development graduate and a fashion designer/stylist. Masele Nene has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Information Technology and is currently in the process of establishing herself as an entrepreneur. As a team, the goal is to advocate for and promoteEmpower the economic rights of women whilst also empowering them economically. Some of the work that the team has done in line with this goal is establishing women business support groups and training them to build their business knowledge and skills as well as facilitating access to financing opportunities. The team believes in and strives for the creation of a gender-responsive and enabling economic environment where women can financially thrive. 25

MZIMAYI WA LERO TRAINERS MIRRIAM NYONI WITULY MWENITETE With a bachelors degree in business management President and co-founder of inspiration koner youth and entrepreneurship, Mirriam is passionate about led organization which has mentored over 5,000 helping fellow women to attain their goals through youth, founder of hearts designs. A business that has her experiences and talents. trained over 50 youths in designing and tailoring, Yali “I have learnt a lot through the trainings that we had in Chinsapo and Mitundu. Despite being the trainer, alumni and women deliver youth representative. “My experience was amazing, meeting up with such I also gained knowledge from the women groups that we trained. In business, especially as women, we young brilliant business women from different spheres and learning from them how they manage are bound to face a lot of challenges. Working as a group is important in a community because it their businesses and families was boundless. I believe that the trainings are helping women to makes identifying and implementing solution much share the challenges that we as women face in our easier.” businesses and together identify solutions.” KUMBUKANI MUNTHALI CHIMWEMWE MANYOZO THELMA KALIU Agriculturalist and community development Change maker, writer, Co-founder of Maphunziro265 Social entrepreneur, activist, traveler and mentor, practitioner. Chief Operations Officer for aQysta BV, and CEO & Founding National Coordinator of Youth Thelma is an advocate for women's rights, economic Malawi, YALI fellow and founder of WeFeedMalawi to Youth Empowerment. justice and advancement of human rights for all. and WeCare-WeShare. Chinese government scholarship recipient for PhD She holds a postgraduate diploma in International “economic empowerment is key to women’s ability Gender Studies from the University of Iceland, and to overcome poverty, build household resilience and in Development and Education Psychology at improve their well-being. When women realize their Central China Normal University and Chevening BA Degree in Education (Social Studies) with economic goals, they are more resilient and able to specialty on Human Ecology and Human alumni from University of Sussex. Geography. provide for themselves and their families. \"Women economic empowerment should be a Empowering women economically also leads to norm and not a miracle. Women economic labor force participation, land and property empowerment should be for everyone and not a ownership, and access to financial services, like privilege of the elite. Let all women on this God given earth take part and enjoy the benefits of women’s credit and savings.” economic empowerment.\"