20 women from the Mayi Wangwiro group under Traditional Authority Maggie in Thyolo are set to boost their economic prospects after receiving practical training in soya pieces production, bar soap making, and powder soap making, courtesy of Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO).

The initiative is part of CCDO’s ongoing efforts to empower women and youth with skills that enhance self-reliance and resilience in the face of economic challenges.

Speaking during the training, Group Chairperson Susan Chirombo thanked CCDO for investing in their growth and acknowledged the daily struggles women in rural communities face.

“As women, we face many resource challenges every day, and sometimes it becomes difficult to support our families,” she said. 

Chirombo added, “These skills will help us generate income and sustain our group activities. We are truly grateful to CCDO for remembering us.”

The training covered hands-on sessions that equipped the women with step-by-step techniques to produce soya pieces and various types of soap, products that are highly marketable within local communities.

CCDO Executive Director Dalitso Chiwayula reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to uplifting women and young people, noting that empowering women economically has far-reaching benefits beyond income generation.

“When women are financially empowered, they are able to support their families, run small businesses, and most importantly, reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence,” Chiwayula explained. “Our goal is to ensure that communities have sustainable livelihood options that promote long-term stability.”

CCDO continues to make a strong footprint in Thyolo and Mulanje through programmes such as piggery and livestock pass-on initiatives, crop farming support, and other community-based livelihood activities aimed at strengthening economic independence.

For the Mayi Wangwiro women, the newly gained skills mark the beginning of a transformative journey, one that promises improved incomes, strengthened households, and renewed hope for a better future.