Rural Women’s Struggles in Malawi Economy
Rural Women’s Struggles in Malawi Economy
As we reached our meeting place at Kabuluzi primary school on a Wednesday morning, the sight of hundreds of women sitting under a tree for shade painted a clear picture: families are struggling, and women are determined to find a way to provide for their struggling families.
Many women showed up carrying the goods they sell, snacks, tomatoes, vegetables, and other small items, hoping to earn a little income while they waited.
Limited Opportunities in a Struggling Economy
In many Malawian rural households, women are the backbone of survival, responsible for putting food on the table, paying school fees, and ensuring children’s wellbeing. This is even worse for single mothers with many children.
However, access to business capital remains a major challenge in Malawi. With Malawi’s fragile economy, many women are left without opportunities to expand their small businesses or create sustainable livelihoods.
That is why Orant created the Financially Empowering Microloans (FEM) for Women program, to provide women with small, zero-interest loans to start or grow businesses in farming, food vending, tailoring, and more. With even a small business running, women can lift their families out of the poverty cycle.
This week’s recruitment was both sobering and inspiring. Sobering, because the overwhelming number of women applying for loans revealed just how great the need is. Inspiring, because it showed the courage of rural Malawian women, ready to work hard and build a better future for their families.
When the Need Is Greater Than the Resources
Unfortunately, Orant cannot support every woman who applies. Out of the hundreds of hopeful applicants, current funding only allows us to support 20 businesses.
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How You Can Make a Difference
With just 50,000 MWK (about $25), you can support a rural Malawian woman’s business. An additional 50,000 MWK ($50 total) can provide her with training, equipping her not only with business capital but also with the skills and knowledge to manage her business sustainably.
At Orant, we believe that empowering women is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change in communities. Thus, each microloan is more than financial support. It is an investment in dignity, opportunity, and hope.
To donate towards the FEM for Women program and support these brave women, please visit this link:
