Young Women Defy Odds, Master Welding in Malawi Disaster Recovery Program
The training not only equips women with marketable skills but also promotes gender equality and economic independence in rural Malawi.
PHALOMBE, Malawi— Two young women are challenging gender norms in southern Malawi by mastering welding skills through a UN Women's Disaster Resilience program, writes Thuso Kaphamtengo.
Stella Phwemula and Mwayi Nangoma are among 22 women trained in traditionally male-dominated trades under the Women's Resilience to Disasters (WRD) Programme, launched in response to Cyclone Freddy.
"Upon completing their training, Stella and Mwayi aspire to open their workshops—not only to sustain themselves but also to train and empower other young girls in their community," said Veronica Mukhuna, UN Women's Communications Assistant.
The initiative, implemented by Christian Aid in Phalombe, Zomba, and Blantyre districts, pairs women with skilled mentors in vocational trades.
By providing technical training, the program aims to create economic opportunities and enhance community disaster preparedness.
Operating in areas devastated by Cyclone Freddy, the program focuses on building women's economic resilience through skill development in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Phwemula and Nangoma, both from Traditional Authority Chiwalo, represent a growing movement of women challenging societal expectations by pursuing careers in welding and fabrication.
The training not only equips women with marketable skills but also promotes gender equality and economic independence in rural Malawi.
