Savings Groups Transforming Lives of Women in Mwanza District

What does it take for a woman to start saving for herself, even just a little at a time? For women like Elizabeth George from Mwanza District, joining a savings group was all it took to begin changing her mindset.

For a long time, Elizabeth lived with constant worry. Her household depended entirely on her husband’s irregular income and every month felt uncertain. School needs, food and small household expenses were a daily struggle, often stretching beyond what they could manage.

For Elizabeth, life was about surviving on whatever came in  with no room to think about building something of her own.

That began to change when she joined a World Vision Malawi-supported Savings for Transformation (S4T) group called Kesha. At first, it was just a group where women saved small amounts together. But for Elizabeth, it slowly became a doorway to something different.

She started saving small amounts regularly, something she had never done before. Over time , she was qualified to access a loan  and  managed to get  a K30,000 loan from the group to kickstart her doughnut business.

“I never thought I could stand on my own. But that small business changed everything for me. Through the business, I am able to make K70,000 weekly profit,” says Elizabeth.

What started as a simple idea gradually grew into a steady source of income. For the first time, she could contribute to her children’s school fees and support her household without waiting entirely on her husband’s income. The worry that once defined her days began to ease.

“I am now able to support my family and no longer over-depend on my husband to give me money for the household,” says Elizabeth.

Gladys Mzimu is another member of the Kesha S4T group and she shares that the group’s loan system has helped her pay for family needs and her children's education.

“We are no longer helpless. The group gives us the tools to improve our lives,” says Mzimu.

World Vision’s S4T group promoter, Catherine Masese  says the impact of the savings group is profound.

“We focus on building financial literacy. Women are now more confident. Families are more stable,” says Catherine.

Since 2023, World Vision Malawi has helped establish 356 S4T groups in Mwanza. These groups have over 3,000 members who invest and get the opportunity to access loans.