More than 400 women in Mbeya are set to receive business support and clean-cooking solutions under the Mwanamke Shujaa programme, in an initiative aimed at helping small traders increase productivity and household incomes.
The programme targets women, particularly Mama Lishe, who depend on small businesses for their livelihoods and whose operations are often affected by limited access to working equipment, capital and affordable cooking energy.
Under the initiative, 160 women entrepreneurs will receive working equipment and training, while 27 entrepreneurs with special needs will also benefit.
Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Eng Maryprisca Mahundi, said the programme demonstrated the potential of public-private partnerships to strengthen women's economic participation.
Speaking at an empowerment event in Mbeya on September 21, she urged beneficiaries to use the equipment to grow their businesses rather than treating it as a one-off benefit.
“I urge all women receiving these working tools to ensure they are used for their intended purpose—to improve businesses, increase productivity, raise incomes and improve the lives of your families,” she said.
“Do not look at these tools as a one-day assistance. See them as capital for a new journey in your businesses.”
The Deputy Minister said women engaged in small-scale economic activities, including food vending, hairdressing and bodaboda transport, needed to take advantage of available financing opportunities to expand their businesses.
“When we talk about special groups, we include Mama Lishe, hairdressers, bodaboda operators and other groups engaged in economic activities,” she said.
She added: “We will ensure that women are not left behind in various opportunities.”
The programme is also promoting clean cooking among food vendors, who rely heavily on cooking energy as part of their daily operations.
Mbeya Urban MP Patrick Mwalunenge commended Coca-Cola Kwanza and Oryx Gas for supporting the initiative, saying the programme was helping women improve their businesses while encouraging the adoption of cleaner cooking energy.
The initiative is supported by Coca-Cola Kwanza and Oryx Gas, with the companies also involved in improving infrastructure for food vendors.
Speaking on behalf of the Mbeya City Director, Mbeya Regional Industries and Empowerment Officer Festo Nasho said the partnership between the two companies had helped construct and improve a dedicated food vending area for Mama Lishe at Mwanjelwa Market.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the facility responsibly, strengthen their businesses and develop a culture of saving.
For Mama Lishe, improved cooking facilities and access to cleaner energy can reduce some of the operational challenges associated with running food businesses, while better equipment and training can help them improve productivity and income.
The programme therefore links women's economic empowerment with access to productive assets and cleaner energy—two factors that can directly affect the sustainability of small businesses.