By Vincent Gunde
Local non-governmental organisation There is Hope (TIH) is set to implement the Young Women Rise Project at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District, targeting 60 young women from refugee and host communities.
The project aims to empower young women through green skills, entrepreneurship and economic independence, addressing challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, limited access to market-driven skills and capital, and gender barriers in technical trades.
Presenting the project to the District Executive Committee (DEC) in Dowa, TIH Communications Coordinator Madalitso Mvula said the initiative comes at a time when demand for tailoring, welding and fabrication services is growing.
He said the project will also build on existing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) infrastructure while promoting economic integration between refugees and host communities.
Mvula said the initiative will benefit 60 vulnerable young women, with 60 percent drawn from refugee communities and 40 percent from host communities.
He said of the beneficiaries, 30 will receive training in tailoring and fashion design, while the other 30 will be trained in fabrication and welding.
Mvula said the project combines technical and vocational training, enterprise incubation and green livelihoods, including the production of reusable and recycled clothing products and eco-cookstoves.
He said the project targets women aged between 18 and 34, with an estimated 240 household members expected to benefit indirectly and 300 community members gaining access to green products.
Mvula said priority will be given to young mothers, survivors of gender-based violence, women with disabilities and other vulnerable women.
He said the expected outcomes include 60 women obtaining TEVETA certification, the establishment of women-led income-generating groups, improved confidence and economic decision-making, as well as reduced deforestation and exposure to smoke.
Mvula said the project will ensure that vulnerable women, including those living in poverty, young mothers and applicants with limited formal qualifications safely participate.
“The project will make participation possible and safe through target recruitment, women living in poverty, young mothers, and applicants with limited prior qualifications,” he said.
In his remarks, Dowa District Council Principal Environmental Development Officer Yusuf Laki urged development partners operating in the district to support the initiative to ensure it achieves its intended objectives.
There is Hope will implement the Young Women Rise Project with support from Global Affairs Canada.
