1,754 Kapiri Mposhi GEWEL 2 beneficiaries receive mobile phones

Government, through the Department of Community Development and Social Services, has handed over 1,754 mobile phones to women beneficiaries of the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL 2) programme in Kapiri Mposhi District. Speaking during the handover…

Government, through the Department of Community Development and Social Services, has handed over 1,754 mobile phones to women beneficiaries of the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL 2) programme in Kapiri Mposhi District.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, District Commissioner (DC) Francis Hasalama said empowering women and promoting their participation in economic activities is key to improving household livelihoods and ensuring that no one is left behind.

ZANIS reports that Mr Hasalama said the support will enable the beneficiaries to access and manage their grants more easily while engaging in income generating activities.

“Government wants to see women become economically independent and improve the livelihoods of their families. This support is meant to give you an opportunity to start something that can generate income and improve your lives,” he said.

Mr Hasalama urged the beneficiaries to use the grants and mobile phones responsibly for their own good.

“Use these funds and the phones for purposes that will help you make more money. Do not misuse the money because this is an opportunity for you to improve your lives and those of your families,” he said.

Meanwhile, District Community Development Officer Grace Shakumbila encouraged the beneficiaries to use the grants to improve their livelihoods.

Ms Shakumbila said the mobile phones will enable the women to conveniently access their funds through mobile money services in the comfort of their homes.

She explained that before receiving the phones, the women underwent 21 days of training in life skills, business management, and sexual and reproductive health to equip them with skills to improve their livelihoods and manage their businesses.

Ms Shakumbila encouraged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge gained from the training in their daily lives and businesses.

“You have received the training, and now it is up to you to put that knowledge into practice. Use the skills you have acquired to manage your businesses well and make sure the support you have received benefits you and your families,” she said.

Meanwhile, Beatrice Milimo, a beneficiary, thanked the Government for the support, saying it was the first time she had received such assistance.

“I would like to thank the Government because this is the first time I have received such a gesture. I will use the money wisely by starting a business and also save some for the future,” she said.

For Esther Mwape, the support is a life changing opportunity that will enable her to start a business.

Ms Mwape thanked the Government for including young women in the empowerment programme and pledged to use the support responsibly.

“This is a life changing opportunity for me because I can now start a business and become independent. I am grateful to Government for remembering the youth and ensuring that no one is left behind in development,” she said.

The beneficiaries were selected from Social Cash Transfer households and included in the Cash Plus programme under GEWEL 2, which seeks to enhance the economic empowerment and livelihoods of vulnerable women.