By Maston Kaiya

Ntcheu, October 9, Mana: Principal Gender Officer for Ntcheu District Council Phaless Chizule has commended Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP GEAR) also known as "Amai Titukuke" programme for removing social and economic challenges, which affect women in the district.

Chizule made the remarks on Monday during a sensitization meeting at Masitimale Village in the area of Senior Chief Kwataine in Ntcheu district.

"The programme is very relevant to communities as it is addressing the social and economic challenges which in most cases affect women who are the primary caregivers to their children," said Chizule.

She highlighted that the programme is expected to contribute towards livelihood resilience and poverty reduction.

Chizule further added that it is expected that once the household livelihood is enhanced, women will be able to participate fully on issues that affect them and their children.

Ntcheu District Social Welfare Officer who is also the district’s Desk Officer for Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) Catherine Ngoleka said SP Gear beneficiaries are the same people who are benefitting from SCTP who are currently totaling 14,354 in the district.

"Since Ntcheu is using E-payment mode of payment, beneficiaries receive the funds through FDH Bank," said Ngoleka.

One of the beneficiaries, Ivy Kanyemba who joined the SCTP in 2019 said she has managed to build an iron sheet house and is able to pay school fees for her two daughters at Ntcheu Secondary School and Ntcheu Community Day Secondary Schools.

"My life has improved, I can support myself and my children," said Kanyemba.

Meanwhile, district council officials are currently conducting sensitization meetings and beneficiary product training so that the beneficiaries can easily access their funds.

SP-GEAR is a three-year project which was officially launched in April 2024 with financial support from UNICEF, the European Union and Ireland.