Landlocked in Sub-Saharan Africa, 16 million people in Zambia live on less than $1 per day. Women in this challenging economic environment are especially vulnerable. Due to social barriers, ethnic customs and widespread illiteracy, women’s rights and opportunities are often undermined.

Anike Foundation helped Liseli Initiative secure a grant from Kitchen Table Charities Trust to start a pilot project to help women in Zambia. The Women Empowerment Project aimed to improve economic opportunities for women through financial support and business education.

Who is Liseli Initiative?

Liseli Initiative is an NGO in Zambia working to improve the lives of marginalized members in their communities. In addition to focusing on the empowerment of women, Liseli Initiative works to equip vulnerable children with development skills so that they can become self-sustaining young adults.

What is the Women Empowerment Project?

From January 8 through November 30, 2021, Liseli Initiative implemented the Women’s Empowerment Project in Livingstone, Zambia. Under a £4,800 Kitchen Table Charities Trust grant, Liseli Initiative carried out activities to raise awareness, train, coach and mentor women to empower them economically and socially. The project focused on entrepreneurship and business development,  including loans to help Zambian women start or grow their small businesses which, in turn, improved their livelihoods.

“… I make handmade door mats for sale. I couldn’t grow my business because whatever little profit I make I would have to use to support my family. My business had been stagnant for a very long time until I was selected to be a beneficiary of the Liseli loans. Using the loan, I increased my production and intensified my marketing using the methods I learned from the business workshop and literacy lessons offered by Liseli Initiative. Today, I can proudly say I have expanded my business to a point that I could no longer meet the demand. I have since trained and employed two other women to help in the production and sales. I am forever grateful to Liseli Initiative and Kitchen Table Charities Trust for giving me the much-needed boost to my business.”

- Sharon, beneficiary of the Women Empowerment Project

And it wasn’t only Sharon who benefited. Liseli Initiative targeted four outcomes and achieved them all! In total, 25 women received much-needed financial help in a challenging economic climate.  

Four Outcomes:

1. The project reached 25 women, exceeding the original target of 10. Twenty-five women received a training package in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business development.

2. The ten best business applications (out of 25 applicants) received loans (in cash) to cover the cost of materials necessary for operating and expanding businesses. These business improvements created job opportunities for 65 additional people.

3. Five-day business training sessions were delivered to 25 women. Topics included concepts of small businesses and risk analysis — especially important for women running small businesses during this difficult economic climate.

4. A workshop held from February 8-13 focused on women’s economic role. Female entrepreneurs discussed opportunities, challenges, lessons learned and recommendations to help and support women economically and socially in Livingstone.  

The Women’s Empowerment Project has truly been life changing. Liseli Initiative’s efforts helped Zambian women put food on the table, send their children to school, have self-confidence in themselves and their abilities, and offer employment opportunities to family and community members.

“This opportunity of accessing the Liseli loan enabled me to expand my business. I have been running a small business of selling spices. This business has helped me support my daughter and sick father. Because of the loan, I have expanded my business and now I have recruited five unemployed members of my family to assist me in operating my Mercy Spices business. I have enjoyed and learned a lot from the financial literacy lessons I have been attending, and the mentorship that has been provided by the Liseli Initiative team. Kitchen Table Charities Trust through Liseli has changed our lives.”

- Mercy, beneficiary of the Women Empowerment Project

 Sustainability of the Project

The pilot project was, undoubtedly, a big success, but there is room for growth. Liseli Initiative expects more women to be interested in the Women’s Empowerment Project and will remain in contact with those in their pilot program. The organization will communicate with beneficiaries regarding loan repayments, check on business progress, and confirm if beneficiaries need additional support. With more financial backing, Liseli Initiative can increase the number of beneficiaries in the program.

Final Thoughts

The funds from Kitchen Table Charities Trust allowed Liseli Initiative to support 25 female entrepreneurs in Livingstone, Zambia during the yearlong project. This support included small loans, entrepreneurship and financial literacy training, and life skills that helped them build self-confidence, manage their time, plan, and organize their work. The pilot program improved the lives of each and every beneficiary — in more ways than one.

Would you like to help more female entrepreneurs?

Consider supporting Anike Foundation and Liseli Initiative by clicking our “Donate” button at the bottom of this page.