FUNNY’S TRANSFORMATION THROUGH NJIRA IMPACT

Funny is among the 3,362 AGYW of cisgender diversity youth and women of reproductive age engaged under the Leaving No One Behind (LNB) project in Phalombe. Most participants come from remote areas with low access to economic opportunities, SRHR education, and essential health services.

Before joining the program, Funny struggled with limited access to health information, economic hardship, and no consistent support system. She lacked knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and her household depended solely on her husband’s unstable income.

Njira Impact introduced small group peer-led discussions focusing on SRHR, financial literacy, and life skills. Through one of these groups, Funny gained critical knowledge about her health, rights, and finances. Her peer leader introduced her to the concept of Village Savings and Loan (VSL) groups, where she later joined and actively participated.

Funny first borrowed MWK 60,000 from her VSL group to start a tomato business. With growing confidence and business acumen, she later borrowed another MWK 100,000 to expand into selling rice, onions, and mandasi.

Her business now thrives, and Funny has earned over MWK 50,000 in profit. She uses this income to support her family, improve household nutrition, and save for future investments. More importantly, she now makes informed decisions about her health and feels empowered to support others in her community.

“I used to wait for support from my husband, but now I contribute equally. I feel empowered and confident.” – Funny Chinthenga

With Njira Impact, Funny’s journey from uncertainty to empowerment proves that no one should be left behind.