At Chivala Full Primary School in Dowa District, 15 year old grade 7 learner Cynthia Moyo a girl with disabilities who was born without arms is quietly challenging the limits others once placed on her. She writes using her foot and continues her education with steady determination, refusing to let her circumstances define her future. Her journey, however, has not been easy. Poverty and limited support from family once placed her at risk of dropping out of school. Hope began to take shape when Cynthia joined a WAG Disability Rights Village Savings and Loan (VSL) group comprised of women and girls with disabilities in her community. Through this group, she became part of the Advancing Human Rights, Economic Justice and Social Inclusion of Women and Girls with Disabilities initiative which is being implemented by WAG Disability Rights with support from IM Swedish Development Partner Southern Africa in Dowa District.
The initiative involves a goat pass on scheme where 20 beneficiaries received five goats each one male and four females aimed at strengthening household resilience and building sustainable livelihoods. For Cynthia, the goats represent more than livestock. They represent dignity, stability and a future within reach.
“I was close to giving up on school,” she says. “Now I feel hopeful. These goats and the savings group are helping me believe I can build a better future. ”As the goats will help me for manure that we will apply in our backyard gardening for our sustainable economic growth.
Beyond the goat pass-on scheme, the group will later receive training and be supported to form a cooperative opening doors to stronger collective enterprise, improved market access and long-term economic independence. As the goats multiply and are passed on to other members, the impact continues to ripple through the community, creating a growing cycle of empowerment.
Today, Cynthia looks ahead with renewed confidence, showing that when women and girls with disabilities are included in economic opportunities, they can rise, thrive and transform their futures. We are grateful to IM support
