UTM Candidate Boosts Women's Groups in Mzuzu with Business Aid
Jean Kaonga, a beneficiary, expressed gratitude, noting the challenges women face in accessing loans.
MZUZU, Malawi— Catherine Nyangulu, UTM party's aspiring Member of Parliament for Mzuzu City South East Constituency, provided business support to 13 women's groups on Sunday at Msongwe Clinic, writes Lumbani Kaunda.
Nyangulu distributed business top-up packages, aiming to enhance the economic stability of women in the area.
"I thought I should support them with a little top-up," Nyangulu said. "Most of them share money each week. That money they contribute together and then they lend or borrow from that pot. So today we just wanted to give them a little push so that the amount they share weekly should go a little bit higher."
The candidate highlighted the crucial role these women play in Mzuzu's food market.
"Most of the food sold at Mzuzu market comes from this area. So we thought of empowering them so that they can also grow their small-scale businesses," she added.
Kenani Munyenyembe, a block leader, praised the initiative, saying it would significantly boost local small-scale businesses.
Jean Kaonga, a beneficiary, expressed gratitude, noting the challenges women face in accessing loans.
"As women groups, we help each other by lending the little each member contributes. However, the package is not enough and the coming in of her support has come at the right time," Kaonga said.
The event underscores Nyangulu's focus on women's economic empowerment as a key campaign issue ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.