479 women in Samfya District have so far benefited from phase four of the Supporting Women Livelihood (SWL) productivity grants aimed at uplifting the livelihoods of rural women in Zambia.

Each beneficiary received a grant of K3,790.

According to Samfya District Community Development Officer Juliet Thole, the project is successful and transforming the lives of women in the district.

Ms. Thole said beneficiaries of the project have since ventured into various income generating activities and are able to sustain their households.

“Some beneficiaries are keeping livestock, others are into tailoring, saloon business and trading among others. This has enabled the women to be able to feed their families and look after themselves,” Ms.Thole said .

One of the the beneficiaries, Susan Chipela who runs a saloon business described the project as life changing.

She appealed to Government to consider adding more women on the project so that they can also be empowered.

“I am grateful to be among the beneficiaries of the SWL initiative. Through the project I was able to establish this saloon business and I can now take care of my family,” she said.

Another beneficiary Prisca Kakulwa, who bought a tailoring machine with the support of the productivity grant she received from SWL said she makes up to K2, 000 per month when business is good.

Ms. Kakulwa said she has also employed two workers and expressed gratitude to government for the empowernment.

SWL is a component of the Girl’s Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) Project being implemented by Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.