Across Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, millions of women are striving to create better futures for themselves and their families, working tirelessly to break free from poverty. Poverty is inextricably intertwined with gender inequality. Women face unique barriers, including systemic discrimination that limits their access to education, employment opportunities, land-ownership and essential financial resources.
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
