The European Union delegation has commended the M’mbelwa District Council for its exemplary implementation of the Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP-GEAR) project in Mzimba, citing notable progress in uplifting vulnerable communities, particularly women.
Led by Denisa SALKOVA, the EU’s Head of Environment & Climate, Nutrition, Agriculture, Social Protection, and Health Cooperation, the delegation conducted a two-day monitoring visit to several SP-GEAR project sites, including Mzimba Boma, Mapanjira, and Ephangweni.
The visit aimed to evaluate the project’s impact in empowering marginalized groups through social protection interventions. At the conclusion of the tour, SALKOVA expressed the delegation’s satisfaction, describing the initiative as “an inspiring example” of how targeted programmes can promote gender equality, economic independence, and resilience among vulnerable populations.
“We are truly impressed by the way this programme is being implemented in Mzimba South. Beneficiaries, many of whom are women, are gaining financial independence through small businesses and contributing meaningfully to the local economy. The strong emphasis on gender inclusivity is producing tangible results,” she said.
Salkova also highlighted the project’s effectiveness in addressing gender-based violence (GBV), particularly through the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Units (VSLUs), which have played a crucial role in strengthening community-level responses to GBV.
The SP-GEAR project supports vulnerable households by expanding access to small-scale entrepreneurship opportunities, promoting economic self-reliance, and advancing gender equality.
The programme has been especially beneficial for women, enabling them to participate more actively in community development while improving their financial security.
Walter Chikuni, Director of Planning and Development at Mzimba District Council, echoed the delegation’s remarks, emphasizing the council’s commitment to ensuring that donor-supported initiatives align with national development priorities.
“We are committed to ensuring that all development projects, including SP-GEAR, deliver meaningful benefits to our communities. This reflects our broader dedication to advancing Malawi’s development agenda,” Chikuni stated.
The delegation further acknowledged the contributions of frontline workers and community members, whose active involvement has been instrumental in the project’s success. SALKOVA noted that their participation continues to foster resilience and self-reliance at the grassroots level.
The European Union, working in partnership with the Government of Malawi, Irish Aid, and UNICEF, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the SP-GEAR initiative.
“Our collaboration with the Government of Malawi and Irish Aid remains vital in strengthening social protection systems and ensuring sustainable, long-term improvements in the lives of children, women, and families,” Said SALKOVA.
The SP-GEAR project in Malawi is
a three-year (2024–2026), US$26.5 million initiative designed to support more than 500,000 vulnerable individuals across nine districts, including Mzimba, Zomba, and Nsanje.
The programme links Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiaries to financial literacy training, savings groups, and economic empowerment opportunities, with the broader goal of reducing poverty and gender-based violence.
The initiative forms a key pillar of the European Union’s broader strategy to enhance Malawi’s social protection framework, which seeks to reduce poverty, build resilience, and promote gender equality nationwide.
