National News

Social cash transfer empowers women

Social Cash Transfer Programme women beneficiaries in Lilongwe District have ventured into businesses to grow their income and sustain the gains from the safety net initiative.

During a tour on Saturday to appreciate the impact of the programme in Traditional Authority (T/A) Malili in the district, some beneficiaries were seen running various businesses.  

Phiri attending to a client in her salon at Mpingu Trading Centre in Lilongwe. | Andrew Mkonda, Mana

Maliziya Phiri, a widow from Kandele Village, said she invested the money she received from the programme into a hairdressing business at Mpingu Trading Centre.

She said: “I receive K18 500 monthly. So, I saved part of the money to buy salon equipment and I am now operating my business.

“I used to struggle with my family members, but now I am able to support them with basic needs.”

Phiri urged other beneficiaries to invest the money they get from the programme to become economically independent.

Another beneficiary Limbile Alie said she ventured into farming.

“I grow vegetables which I sell to generate an income. I use the proceeds to buy household things and pay fees for my children. It is better to invest the money because the programme will phase out one day,” she said.

Alie said she also supported her son to process travelling documents to go and work in South Africa.

Lilongwe district social welfare officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Sarah Chimodzi said it was encouraging to see that many beneficiaries were investing in livestock farming and venture in small-scale businesses.

She further said the programme has also helped to reduce risks such as withdrawal of children from school and absenteeism.

Malawi Government with support from the World Bank is supporting 29 512 ultra-poor and labour-constrained households in 23 T/As in the district.

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