World Connect

Empowering grassroots women economically through soap making

Year: 2021

Country: Malawi

Project Status: Funded

Impact Sector: Economic Opportunity

Project Investment: $4,657.50

Project Launch: 9-9-21

With $4,992.75, Mgwirizano Village Savings and Loans group will upscale its 2020 Accelerator Grants project by constructing a shelter that will provide space for expanded soap production increasing economic impact to 20 of its members. The structure will provide spaces for production and drying of soap that will improve the quality of the products and subsequently improve market performance. The income generated will boost womens savings and loan capital and enable women engage in other individual business to generate income to support their households. Additionally, the project will create business opportunities for young people through selling of the produced soap products in the community.

Project Update: 11-16-21

In an effort to scale up soap making project for increased income generation, Center for Rural Development (CRD) in partnership with Mgwirizano Village Savings Loan group, received a $4,657.50 grant from World Connect to build a 6m by 8m soap making shelter to ensure smooth production and easy marketing of the products. In less than two months after receiving 60% of the grant, the group has managed to build the structure to window level and they have successfully trained 20 women in marketing and entrepreneurship. The group has already purchased caustic soda and palm oil which are the raw materials for soap production. Once the shelter construction is finished, production and selling of soap will commence.