JB Foundation International encourages women to become financially independent
The Joyce Banda Foundation International has encouraged the Njonjo Share and Care women’s group in Chinamwali, Zomba, to continue working hard in their various businesses to achieve financial independence.
The group is involved in wine production, body lotion making, vegetable farming, and several other income-generating activities.
Speaking during a visit by the Gender Office to the group, Community Development Officer for the Joyce Banda Foundation International, Brown Masingati, said the organisation began supporting the Njonjo Share and Care women’s group in 2025 through business skills training and other forms of assistance aimed at improving members’ household incomes and promoting self-reliance.
Masingati explained that the foundation started supporting the group after Dr Tabitha Kayira of Talk to Someone Foundation introduced them to former President Joyce Banda.
He further said that, in addition to running businesses, the group provides porridge to 200 children, with flour supplied by the Joyce Banda Foundation International.
According to Masingati, women who engage in business and become financially independent are less vulnerable to domestic abuse and are better positioned to contribute to national development.
He urged the women to remain committed to their businesses while also maintaining strong family relationships and actively participating in community development initiatives.
“The Joyce Banda Foundation International desires to see these women become economically independent, pay school fees for their children, and improve the lives of their families in different ways,” said Masingati.
“We started supporting the Njonjo Share and Care group in 2025, and we want it to become an example to others in the Chinamwali area,” he added.
District Gender Officer for the Zomba District Council, Ruperth Kasendero, commended the Joyce Banda Foundation International for empowering the women’s group, saying the initiative contributes to the achievement of the government’s Vision 2063 agenda.
Kasendero advised the women to establish clear goals for their businesses to better understand and achieve their future ambitions.
He also encouraged them to access part of the K5 billion Community Development Fund (CDF), which includes financial support specifically intended for women entrepreneurs.
He noted that the ministry responsible for gender affairs continues to encourage women to engage in business as a pathway to financial independence.
Speaking on behalf of the group, secretary Doricca Chatambalala Simbota said that since 2024, the women’s group has been making profits, gaining financial independence, and supporting vulnerable schoolchildren by purchasing school uniforms and notebooks for them.
The Joyce Banda Foundation International works closely with various government departments under the Zomba District Council, including social welfare, gender, education, and health, among others.
