Women’s Hope for Change in Mchinji has emphasised that economically empowering women is a vital strategy in the fight against gender-based violence.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Hellen Makukula, stated, “If women are economically empowered, they will be able to support themselves and have the power to make their own decisions.”
Makukula explained that many women suffer abuse because they are financially dependent on their partners. “Most men take advantage of economically deprived women because they are vulnerable,” she added.
To address this challenge, the organisation has trained 150 women in Mchinji in business management, Village Savings and Loans (VSL), and Mbeya fertiliser production.
“We have also provided them with loans to help boost their businesses,” Makukula said, expressing hope that these initiatives will help women gain financial independence and reduce their vulnerability to abuse.
By Vester Chunga
