Malawi Women Launch Fish Business to Boost Family Incomes
Operating under local traditional authorities, these 20 women from Chifila are determined to change their economic future, one fish at a time.
NKHATA BAY, Malawi— A group of women in rural Malawi are casting their nets into the business world, aiming to transform their families' economic fortunes through fish trading, writes Blessings Kaunda.
The Umoza Fisheries Group, comprising 20 women from Chifila village, plans to sell fish across Malawi and beyond.
Their goal: financial independence and improved living standards for their families.
"It's high time we end our economic struggle while we have a lake before us," said Ruth Gumbwa, chairwoman of the group, in an interview Wednesday at Danass Chirwa Maddison Lodge.
Gumbwa highlighted a common problem in the community — women's overreliance on their husbands' incomes.
"We've suffered in silence while our men neglect their families," she said. "Children have stopped going to school because of a lack of support."
The group aims to foster self-reliance among local women.
"If we're financially stable, we can uplift our families and address their problems," Gumbwa added.
Danass Chirwa, a UK-based Malawian who founded the group, saw an opportunity in the local fishing industry.
"Foreigners come here to buy fish and enrich their countries while our homes remain poor," Chirwa said.
"I wanted to bring these women together to start drying fish for export."
The women are collaborating with the Department of Fisheries, local leaders, and Area Development Committees to ensure their success.
Chaona Mwale, senior fisheries technical assistant at Kande Stratum, praised the initiative.
"Our role is to teach groups like Umoza Fisheries about fish preservation," he said. Mwale added that women's increased business engagement could lead to more stable families and reduce gender-based violence.
Operating under local traditional authorities, these 20 women from Chifila are determined to change their economic future, one fish at a time.