For refugee women in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi, economic independence is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and resilience. Yet, limited access to skills training, capital, and business opportunities has kept many women trapped in cycles of poverty and dependency. To address this challenge, SOFERES, with financial support from Women First International Fund, launched the Women’s Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Program (2021 – Present) to equip refugee women with tailoring, business management, and financial literacy skills—empowering them to achieve long-term financial independence.
Transforming Lives Through Skills & Economic Opportunities
The program goes beyond training—it builds sustainable livelihoods, fosters women-led cooperatives, and strengthens SOFERES’ institutional capacity to continue supporting refugee women. By providing women with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to succeed, the initiative is breaking economic barriers and transforming communities in Dzaleka.
Key Achievements & Impact
✅ 180+ Women Trained in Tailoring & Entrepreneurship
Since the program’s launch, over 180 refugee women have gained valuable skills in tailoring, business management, and financial literacy. Many of them have started their own businesses, creating a sustainable source of income for themselves and their families.
✨ “Before joining SOFERES, I struggled to provide for my children. Now, I have my own tailoring business and can afford school fees and daily necessities,” says Anita, a program graduates and mother of six.
✅ Startup Kits Provided to Launch Businesses
To ensure program graduates can put their skills into action, SOFERES has distributed startup kits that include sewing machines, fabric, and capital to help them start small tailoring businesses. This eliminates the financial barriers that often prevent women from turning their skills into livelihoods.
✨ “The sewing machine I received changed my life. I now make clothes and earn money instead of depending on aid,” shares Masoka, a refugee woman in the program.
✅ Women-Led Cooperatives Established for Economic Stability
The program has facilitated the creation of women-led tailoring cooperatives, where trained women work together to produce garments and school uniforms for local markets. These cooperatives provide a stable income, foster teamwork and leadership, and ensure economic sustainability for participants.
✨ “We are not just seamstresses; we are businesswomen, leaders, and role models for other refugee women,” says Fatuma, a cooperative member.
✅ Strengthening SOFERES’ Institutional Capacity
With improved office infrastructure and equipment, SOFERES is now better positioned to scale its impact and support even more refugee women. The enhanced training center and additional resources have allowed the program to expand its reach and provide quality skills development to more women in need.
✨ “This investment in SOFERES ensures that more women will continue to benefit from our programs, long after initial funding ends,” says Mitamba Jumapili, a SOFERES mentor.
Beyond Economic Empowerment: A Community Transformed
The Women’s Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Program has done more than just teach skills—it has boosted confidence, inspired leadership, and strengthened social cohesion among refugee women. Participants are now more financially independent, empowered to make decisions, and capable of supporting their families and communities.
By breaking gender and economic barriers, this initiative is building a new generation of financially resilient and self-sufficient women in Dzaleka.
What’s Next?
SOFERES is committed to expanding this initiative and ensuring more women gain the skills and resources needed for sustainable livelihoods. Our next steps include:
🔹 Scaling up training to reach more women in Dzaleka.
🔹 Expanding market access for women-led cooperatives through strategic partnerships.
🔹 Introducing digital financial literacy training to enhance business management.
🔹 Strengthening advocacy for refugee women’s economic rights.
Join Us in Empowering Refugee Women
Through the Women’s Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Program, SOFERES is proving that economic empowerment is key to breaking cycles of poverty and dependence. With continued support from partners, donors, and advocates, we can ensure more refugee women gain the skills, tools, and confidence they need to transform their futures. Together, let’s empower women, uplift communities, and build lasting change in Dzaleka.