Economic empowerment and recovery: an experience from Chipangali District
Thandiwe, a 46-year-old widow and mother of four, understands the profound weight of rebuilding a life from the ground up. Living in Mugubudu Village within the rural Chief Chanje Chiefdom of Zambia’s Chipangali District, located 55 kilometers from Chipata town, she faced compounded hardships. In this community, high poverty levels and harmful traditional practices frequently leave women vulnerable to gender-based violence. Following the loss of her husband three years ago, Thandiwe endured severe economic and psychological abuse while struggling to provide for her children alone.
Her turning point arrived when community Anti-GBV Champions identified her during local community outreach activities. They referred Thandiwe to the Village-Led One-Stop Centre (VLOSC), a critical community resource where she accessed counseling, and a referral to local social welfare services. She then seized the opportunity to attend a specialized training in entrepreneurship and village savings.
Through the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, Thandiwe and her peers formed the Madaliso Group. To jumpstart their economic recovery, the initiative empowered the women with an initial asset transfer of 10 goats and 10 chickens for rearing.
Through collective dedication, the Madaliso Group's livestock has rapidly multiplied, growing to 14 goats and 26 chickens. Their village savings pool has also flourished, currently holding ZMW 3,712. The group meets monthly, functioning not only as a financial safety net but as a trusted sanctuary where women receive peer counseling, share GBV prevention strategies, and champion one another’s healing journeys.
For Thandiwe, this backing has catalyzed personal independence. Utilizing the village savings platform, she launched her own micro-enterprise selling cooking oil, tomatoes, and charcoal. This diversified income stream ensures steady stability in her home, allowing her to afford essential school materials, food, and healthcare for her children. Today, Thandiwe stands as a powerful role model in Mugubudu Village, proving that when survivors are met with protection, livelihood support, and community solidarity, they can overcome immense adversity and inspire a new generation of empowered women.
Thandiwe’s journey is a testament to the broader impact of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 in Zambia, a multi-year programme (2025–2027) launched to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. Implemented by the Government of Zambia in partnership with UN agencies, including UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, and IOM, and supported by the Embassy of Ireland, the initiative tackles gender-based violence through a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach. Geographically targeting high-prevalence areas like Eastern and Muchinga provinces, it focuses on strengthening legislative frameworks, shifting harmful social norms through community engagement, and expanding survivor-centered multi-sectoral services.
