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“I have so much joy in my heart”

Ruth, who is wearing a head scarf, sits in front of a brick wall. Two of her children are sitting next to her.

Ruth, who has a visual impairment, was struggling to earn a living before she joined Sightsavers’ economic empowerment programme in Malawi. Today, she runs several small businesses in her community.

“I live with my sister, brother and my three children, Elisa, Yankho and Flora. My firstborn is 13 years old, the second is 12 years old, and the lastborn is nine years old. I don’t have a husband – my husband passed on.

“I acquired my disability in 2006, and since then, up to 2023, my life has been quite challenging. I was feeling like, since I can’t see, it was impossible for me to live an independent life.

Ruth stands outside a brick house with two of her children.
Ruth with two of her children outside their home in Malawi.

“I met Benjamin [Sightsavers’ programme officer] in November 2023. The programme targets people with disabilities by empowering them with different activities. I’m part of a group that makes soap. But I’m also a farmer – I grow millet.

“I’ve had training that has given me knowledge and skills on how to use modern methods of farming, as well as good agricultural practices, which I didn’t have at the beginning. Now, I’m able to follow good farming practices.

“I’ve been able to grow a lot of millet, which I have managed to sell and make a profit. With that money, I know I am going to do quite a lot.

Ruth sits outside with Benjamin, who is wearing a white polo shirt with the Sightsavers logo.
Ruth with Benjamin, who said: “We help people get their products certified and find markets in which to sell them. It feels good to see people becoming more independent and self-reliant.”

“I have been able to buy food for my children, clothes, send them to school and provide for all the basic home and school needs. I’ve also used some of the money to invest in another business producing mandazi [sweet, fried bread] that I usually sell and make more profit from.

“This season, lots of people didn’t harvest much because of the bad rain. So the community is quite impressed because I’ve harvested a lot of millet and other farm produce that I’ve managed to keep, which is going to last for the whole year, and some of it I will be able to sell.

“I feel very happy and I have so much joy in my heart when I hear the community appreciating what I have managed to achieve.

Ruth sits on a porch sorting through grain in a wicker basket. A man is measuring the grain using a plastic cup.
All images © Sightsavers/Thoko Chikondi

“Previously, I was looking down on myself. Now that I have changed my thinking, I’m able to look at things differently. As a woman with disability, I have been able to achieve quite a lot. I have been able to carry out different businesses that are profitable, and I’m able to depend on myself and support my family.

“My future looks really good with the support from my family. I believe that it’s going to be very good. I know that I’m going to have lots of savings in the future that will allow me to live an independent life. But I’m also sure that next year I’m going to build a modern house for my family and me.”

Eight communities in Machinga are currently participating in our economic empowerment programme, which provides free training and support to fund and grow small businesses.

Ruth now feels confident about the future and proud of what she has achieved. With your support, we could help more women with disabilities build businesses, support their families and look ahead with hope.

Ruth smiles while sorting millet using a wicker basket.
My future looks good. I believe that it’s going to be very good.
Ruth
Ruth smiles while sorting millet using a wicker basket.

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