Empowering Women for Sustainable Livelihoods
Introduction to ECOWISE – Empowering Women Through Skills Development
On 10th February 2025, the ZICOFORWARD Foundation proudly launched its latest flagship initiative – ECOWISE (Empowering Communities of Women with Inclusive Skills for Entrepreneurship) – in Area 25, Sector 3, Lilongwe, under the gracious presence of Chief Phyerabwinja, who commended the Foundation's unwavering commitment to uplifting women in his community.
ECOWISE is a transformative empowerment program designed to equip women particularly widows, single mothers, women with disabilities, and disadvantaged young women with a diverse range of vocational skills that foster both economic independence and community resilience. The project provides hands-on training in key income generating activities including.
🛠️ Skills Training Includes:
With a deep understanding of the economic and social challenges facing many Malawian women, ZICOFORWARD Foundation has structured ECOWISE not only as a skills-development platform but also as a springboard for small-scale enterprise creation. By promoting practical, marketable skills, the project aims to reduce dependency, increase household incomes, and promote inclusive participation in Malawi’s informal economy.
During the official launch, Chief Phyerabwinja lauded the initiative, stating:
"This is a remarkable step towards transforming the lives of women in our community. When women are empowered, entire families and communities rise with them."
The ECOWISE initiative reflects ZICOFORWARD’s broader mission to create sustainable solutions for marginalized groups through holistic development, and the Foundation envisions expanding the program across multiple regions in the coming years.
By investing in the potential of women, ECOWISE is not just building skills it is nurturing independence, restoring dignity, and creating pathways for long-term socio-economic empowerment in Malawi.
ECOWISE Product
