One of the Non-Governmental Organizations pioneering women economic empowerment in Chikwawa, Stephanos Foundation, said although devastating floods hit the district earlier this year, adverse effects of the catastrophe have been partly mitigated through gains from VSLs.

Chimwemwe Hara, Projects manager for Stephanos Foundation attributes this development to the cordial relationship that exists between the communities and his organization.

Hara said women are one of the most vulnerable groups to economic shocks hence organizing them in VSLs is one of the workable strategies his organization is pursuing to build their resilience economically.

“Reality is that our women have a dependency syndrome. Now times have changed and our goal is to ensure that women more especially in rural areas are economically empowered,” said Hara.

Loveness Jekapu, one of the women in Chimpambano Village where Stephanos Foundation organized Village Savings and Loans groups, testify that village banks are changing livelihoods of rural communities.

She cited some developments she has managed to achieve through joining the village banks such as building a modest house, buying livestock and being capable of meeting educational needs of her children and extended family members.

“I don’t regret for joining Village Savings and Loans groups. Had it been not for my membership in these groups I wouldn’t make much progress,” notes Jekapu.

Last year, 28 village Savings and Loans groups in Ngabu- Chikwawa realized K10 Million Kwacha.

This year, they have surpassed the 2014 record by aggregating over K11 Million Kwacha that has been distributed in proportion to shares and profits accruing to each respective member.