EAM empowering women through VSL groups

Contrary to reports of negative impact of village savings and loans schemes (VSLs), women in Chikwawa have testified that their lives have been transformed through the initiative.

This was revealed on Thursday when Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) in conjunction with Eagles Relief and Development organised a tour of Mbande communities under Traditional Authority (T/A) Maseya in Chikwawa where EAM is implementing its activities.

The VSL groups, according to EAM’s programmes manager James Kalikwembe, were aimed at building resilience among communities to the effects of climate change and disasters.

Some women who are part of the VSL groups commended the initiative, saying it has enhanced their living conditions and that they are financially empowered.

Flora Wilisoni from Andrea Village in the same T/A said since she joined the VSL group two years ago she has bought goats and is financially independent.

“I have also managed to buy iron sheets for my house on top of having chickens that I rear at home,” stated Wilisoni.

Elizabeth Chinsomba from Andrea 2  and Chimwemwe James from Mbande 2 in the same area, are also full of praise for the VSL groups.

EAM is implementing the programmes with technical support from Christian Aid and financial support from  Norwegian Embassy, Irish Aid and the Department for International Development (DfID). n