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Empowering a future: Veronica Kaiwe`s journey from struggle to success.

"I can make K20,000 in a week, at least K80,000 every month. With this money, I can support my family with food and other household necessities. My siblings are no longer missing classes due to lack of food in the house," shared Veronica Kaiwe with a sense of pride and gratitude.

Veronica, a 24-year-old from Group Village Headman Namba, Traditional Authority Nazombe in Phalombe district, has seen her life transformed through the Girls Get Equal (GGE) project.

Before joining the Girls Get Equal (GGE) project in 2021, Veronica struggled to support her family through a small fritters business, which was insufficient to cover basic needs and led to her siblings missing school due to hunger. The GGE project provided her with tailoring training, financial literacy and essential tools like a sewing machine. This support transformed her life; she now receives numerous orders for school uniforms and other garments, earning a steady income. With her business success, Veronica has purchased a piece of land worth K400,000 and two cows.

In partnership with PLAN International, the Girls Get Equal (GGE), also known as the Nzotheka Project, is being implemented in the Mulanje, Phalombe and Lilongwe districts.

The project focuses on economic empowerment for vulnerable youths, particularly young women and girls who are at risk of early and forced marriages. By equipping them with vocational skills, the project aims to help these young women achieve economic independence and self-reliance.

For Veronica, the training and support from the GGE project have been life-changing. Her tailoring business is now thriving, enabling her to provide for her family and secure a brighter future. The impact of the project is clear: it is not just about financial gain, but also about empowering young women like Veronica to break the cycle of poverty and take control of their destinies.

Veronica Kaiwe is not just a successful entrepreneur; she is a symbol of hope and empowerment for her community. Currently, Veronica is paying it forward by training a young girl in tailoring, free of charge, to help her gain economic independence. For Veronica, her greatest achievement is not the money she is earning, but the role model she has become. She recognizes that the true impact of the Girls Get Equal (GGE) project is in its mission to end child marriages and eliminate harmful cultural practices that hold women back.

As a young leader, Veronica uses her position to advocate for education, raise awareness about domestic abuse and highlight the dangers of early marriages and unwanted pregnancies. Her transformation has inspired many young girls and women in her community, who are in awe of her achievements.

Motivated by her success, Veronica has also decided to give back to her community by supporting vulnerable girls who are at risk of dropping out of school. She provided school uniforms and supplies to four girls: Shakira Tobias, a 9-year-old in standard 3 at Mambala Primary School; Mervis Chikopa, a 15-year-old in form 2 at Mambala CDSS; Stella Kwenje, a 14-year-old in standard 6 at Mambala Primary School and Emily Maluwa, a 16-year-old in form 1 at Mambala CDSS. Each girl received uniforms, exercise books and pens.

Veronica's tailoring business has brought her more than just financial stability; it has given her a sense of independence and pride. She regularly receives orders for school uniforms, church choir outfits and other garments, making her a well-known figure in her community. With the income from her business, Veronica has been able to buy a piece of land worth K400,000 and has even purchased two cows.

Veronica's story is a testament to the power of economic empowerment and the ripple effect it can have on an entire community. Through her hard work, generosity and commitment to uplifting others, Veronica is helping to create a brighter future for the next generation.