Soap and savings - building resilient communities in Malawi

27 June 2025

TSA Malawi’s WASH, Resilience and Food Security project supports rural communities in Malawi to have improved access to water, sanitation, hygiene, improved food security and access to financial services. The project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and Swedish Government (Sida) though the Swedish Mission Council. It is implemented by The Salvation Army Malawi Territory.

Judith Kalima, a mother of four, lives with her family in Salima District Malawi. She explained to us that in her rural community it is challenging for women to find stable work to support their families. She lacked access to financial services and decision-making over her finances.

“Before the project, I had nothing to rely on. Now, I can make and sell soap with my fellow women from our soap-making group, and I no longer worry about where the next meal will come from. I feel proud because I can now support my family. My children are in school and I no longer feel like a burden. I am part of something meaningful.”

Judith has joined a Village Savings and Loan program which provides access to safe and low-interest loans. She has joined a soap-making community-based organisation and finds a sense of community with the other members. She is able to pay school fees and meet other household needs through the income generated. Through the skills learnt, she is able to manage her finances and, as she explained, her confidence has grown.

Judith and the group pouring soap into moulds which are later cut and sold.
Judith and the group pouring soap into moulds which are later cut and sold.

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