Various stakeholders in Dedza district have expressed their optimism regarding a project titled "Breaking Barriers for Women and Girls with Disabilities in Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV)," which YICOD is implementing in the district. They believe the project will bring positive changes, mainly in ensuring that the rights of women and girls are respected and safeguarded.

These stakeholders made these remarks of optimism during the inception meetings supported by the Hlanganisa Community Fund, which YICOD has been conducting.

Speaking at the Kachere Area Development Committee (ADC) under Traditional Authority Kachere in the district where the project is being implemented, members of the committee described YICOD’s initiative, which aims to create a safe and supportive environment for women and girls with disabilities to access essential services, as beneficial for community development.

Various women and youth groups have been equipped with skills on how to make different kinds of manure and energy-saving cooking stoves. These are climate adaptation strategies aimed at strengthening their resilience against climate change.

These training sessions, conducted by YICOD with support from IM Swedish Development Partner, took place in all three Group Village Heads (GVH) of Fosa, Mkhoma Wanthu 2, and Kachere, respectively, in the area of traditional authority Kachere in Dedza district.

Women and young people from Traditional Authority Kachere in Dedza District, especially from the three Group Village Heads of Fosa, Kachere, and Mkhoma Wanthu 2, have been urged to join Savings and Loan Groups (SLGs), which hold the greatest potential to ensure their economic independence.

The plea was made by a Community Development Assistant from Dedza District Council, Kondwani Mapanje, during dialogue sessions on the importance of joining or forming SLGs, conducted in all the GVHs with support from IM Swedish Development Partner.

Women and young people from three Group Village Heads of Fosa, Kachere, and Mkhoma Wanthu in the area of Traditional Authority Kachere, Dedza District, have been equipped with skills in financial literacy and business management through core support funding from IM Swedish Development Partner.

The day-long training conducted on Wednesday aimed to improve business skills and effective financial management, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of the rights holders through small-scale businesses.