After receiving a productivity grant of K3, 790 from the Supporting Women´s Livelihoods (SWL) empowerment program in 2022, Esnart Chansa from Lufubu village, in Mwansabombwe District decided to venture into second-hand clothes selling business.

SWL, is a component of the Girl´s Education and Women Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) Project being implemented by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services with support from the World Bank.

The program provides women between the ages of 19-64 in rural areas with grants, Life and Business skills, mentorship and helps them with setting up of Savings Groups to improve their livelihoods.

According to Esnart, through her business, she has been able to earn a sustainable livelihood and helps her husband in providing for the family.

She says this has earned her a peaceful home and respect from her husband.

She believes that financial independence of a woman reduces chances of Gender Based Violence (GBV) among women and brings about peace in the home.

“Financial challenges are one of the major causes of GBV. Women must start engaging in income-generating activities and assist in providing for the family, this brings peace to a home and reduces unnecessary fights among couples. This empowerment has brought so much peace in my home,” says Esnart.