Sexual violence survivors get business support

Catholic Development Commission (Cadecom) under Mzuzu Diocese has supported 90 sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) survivors with business capital to lessen their suffering.

Speaking on Tuesday at Embangweni Teachers Development Centre in Mzimba when beneficiaries presented business ideas, Cadecom coordinator Wanangwa Msowoya said they will also drill the survivors in entrepreneurship skills.

“Besides providing them with start-up capital in form of materials, we have also linked them to financial institutions and private sector corporations,” he said.

On his part, Mzimba South assistant social welfare officer Mightwell Mtonga said GBV survivors need such support to recover from their trauma.

He said: “The survivors experience depression, low self-esteem, self-discrimination and attempt suicide.

“So, they need psycho-social counselling for them to bounce back and regain their confidence.”

Embangweni Area Development Commitee chairperson Flemings Zgambo thanked Cadecom for the initiative, saying it will enhance ways of earning income among the SGBV survivors.

The business ideas were on livestock production, hair dressing, bakery and tailoring.

The support has come under the Sportlight Initiative.