From Savings to Swine: A Village Woman's Journey to Financial Freedom
In the story of one woman and her pig, we see the broader narrative of a community rising above poverty, one savings group at a time.
DOWA, Malawi—A quiet revolution is taking place in Dowa. Elizabeth Zwake Nyando, a resident of Ntchenenje Village in Traditional Authority Mkulula, stands proudly beside her newly acquired pig – a living symbol of her financial empowerment and the transformative power of community savings initiatives, writes Winston Mwale.
"I got this pig from my shares at our VSL (Village Savings and Loan)," Nyando explains, her eyes gleaming with pride.
"We got our dividends in December, and I decided to buy this pig."
Nyando's journey began in 2016 when she joined the local VSL group, an initiative supported by Rhema Institute for Development (RHID), a local non-governmental organization dedicated to reducing poverty and empowering communities.
"Previously, I had problems. I did not have money," she recalls.
"I joined the VSL where we put together our shares and get loans from there. I have benefited a lot."
RHID's strategic plan, developed in 2020, focuses on five key areas: Education, Water and Sanitation, Nutrition, HIV/AIDS prevention, and Women and Children Empowerment.
Nyando's story is a testament to the success of their women's empowerment initiatives, particularly in financial management skills and economic growth strategies.
For Nyando, the pig represents more than just livestock – it's a promise of a brighter future. "With this pig, I know that all my financial problems are over," she states confidently. "I am sure that my life will change. I plan to lease a piece of land to farm and also buy fertilizer."
The impact of the VSL program extends beyond individual success stories. It's creating a ripple effect of empowerment throughout the community.
Nyando is eager to share her experience with others: "I advise my fellow women to work hard at this VSL so that by December, we receive our money, buy fertilizer and livestock."
However, Nyando's journey is not without challenges.
"Right now, we are waiting for December to get our money from VSL, and because of this, it is difficult to feed my pig. As a result, I do piece works to get money for feed," she explains.
Despite these hurdles, her determination remains unshaken.
Nyando's optimism is infectious as she discusses pig-rearing. "It is not difficult to keep pigs," she assures.
"You just need to feed it 'gaga', weeds, and bananas." Her resourcefulness in managing her new asset reflects the financial management skills promoted by RHID's programs.
Innocent Semu, Executive Director of the Rhema Institute for Development, emphasized the importance of the Village Savings and Loan (VSL) program in empowering women economically.
"We are helping women engage in small-scale businesses so they can become self-reliant and dependable within their households," he said.
Semu highlighted that economic empowerment enables these women to take better care of their children and ensure they receive an education.
"Through VSL, we are focused on teaching and training them in small-scale business practices," he added, underscoring the program's role in fostering independence and better futures for families.
As the sun sets over Ntchenenje Village, Nyando stands as a beacon of hope and a living example of RHID's vision: "A healthy and morally upright community that is spiritually and socio-economically empowered, transformed, and self-sustaining in all aspects of life including food security, health, environment; and education."
In the story of one woman and her pig, we see the broader narrative of a community rising above poverty, one savings group at a time.
As RHID continues its work in Dowa and beyond, more stories like Nyando's are sure to emerge—tales of empowerment, resilience, and the transformative power of community-driven development.