A group of 30 women in the Nawata Village of Zomba in Malawi have harnessed the power of innovation to transform their lives and protect their surroundings through sustainable biomass.
Thanks to UN Women-supported project funded by the Government of Australia, the women have united to create sustainable biomass briquettes that replace traditional firewood.
In the sun-drenched village nestled in shire highlands of Malawi, the women began their journey in my 2024, brought together by the women’s resilience to disaster programme.
The birth of a sustainable solution
Waste that once cluttered their homes-rice husks, maize byproducts has found new purpose. The women were trained in briquette-making techniques and together, they have built resilience, empowered women and preserved nature while igniting hope.
Reflecting on their journey, Regina Jalasi, a member of Nawata Women’s Group, said: “We Used to venture into the forests, axes in hand, felling trees for firewood, she says.” But now, we’ve turned waste into wealth.”
Not long ago, Regina faced a dilemma. To cook meals for her family, she resorted to using her children’s schoolbooks as kindling. The smoke-filled kitchen, the hurried cooking and the ever-present fear of firewood running out-it was a daily struggle.
Regina’s group started modestly, producing small bags of briquettes to be sold. Their sales Strategy was simple yet effective: they sold directly within their surrounding villages. The Results were promising. Soon, they expanded their reach, selling more bags.
Jessie Nkunda, another member of the group, vividly recalls their first meeting. “We discovered the goodness of being part of a woman’s group, she says. “Together, we learnt to make briquettes from agriculture and household waste. No longer did we need to sacrifice our children s education for a simple meal, she narrates.
But Regina’s dreams are bigger. “We need a briquette-making machine,” she asserts. With it, we can produce more, faster.”
A gathering of hope
The women meet every Tuesday, envisioning a future beyond their village. Markets beckon as men also embrace this unique endeavour-one where the women lead the way.
Regina’s plea echoes through the Malawian landscape: “Extend this initiative. Let every Household adopt it. Our trees, our health, our prosperity-they are all intertwined.”
And so, in the heart of Malawi, the briquette flames burn bright-a beacon of resilience, unity and progress.
Source: ESI Africa-Nasi Hako-21 August 2024