COL is supporting the Centre for Research and Development Initiative (CERADI), Malawi, to improve the lives of local women and girls by developing their vocational, entrepreneurship and business management skills.  The Tigwirane Manja (Let’s Hold Hands) project has already reached 1,200 learners in three traditional authorities of the Mchinji district.

Most recently, they were engaged in training to build their own mud cooking stoves. Due to the time spent on household chores, including firewood collection, women and girls had been unable to attend vocational skills training.

Through its GIRLS Inspire initiative, COL is providing learning opportunities for vulnerable, hard-to-reach women and girls across the Commonwealth.

According to Florida Banda, CERADI project manager, using mud cooking stoves will save time and enable the women to attend training in other areas such as welding, motorcycle repair, and business management.

“I am now able to generate my own income,” said Veronica Zulu, who recently graduated from training in welding and fabric making.

The project, which is supported by local community leaders, aims to reach 3,000 households.

Ms Frances Ferreira, COL Education Specialist: Gender, noted: “GIRLS Inspire is raising the status and dignity of women by equipping them with skills to make decisions concerning their lives.”