Across Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, women are facing an escalating crisis: a severe job drought, compounded by systemic barriers and deep inequality. Driven by necessity, they must find their own way to provide for their families, despite the odds being stacked against them.
Learn moreMrs Alifosina Mkonde is the proud mother of eight children, and lives in the outskirts of Lilongwe, Malawi. 11 years ago, she set up a small grocery stall selling rice, groundnuts and maize to support her family.
She dreamed that her children would get the education she never had. In reality, the family lived in extreme poverty and often went for weeks without food. Imagine the heartache of putting your children to bed hungry.
Determined to make a change, Mrs Mkonde joined a MicroLoan group in 2012, receiving extensive business training and a loan of just AUD $25.
Take a look at where she is now.
Success stories
