Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-08 14:27:52
International Women’s Day falls on March 8, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of investing in women and accelerating progress towards eliminating poverty and inequalities. This day amplifies the calls to support women in various aspects of life, including financial independence. One local bank has stepped up to support women investors who are often rejected by traditional financial institutions, paving the way for their dreams to come true.
Dr. Thandie Mabedi had a dream of opening a clinic in Malawi where people could access specialized medical services without any fees. In 2020, she and her husband founded Uromed Clinic in Lilongwe to fulfill this dream. Despite facing rejection and tough conditions from other banks, they did not give up on seeking capital for their project. Today, Dr. Mabedi is the executive director of Uromed Clinic, offering a range of specialized services in urology, gynecology, and kidney treatments that are not commonly available in the country.
With the support of NBM Development Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the National Bank of Malawi, the Mabedis were able to realize their dream. They received financing for the construction of the clinic and the purchase of equipment, enabling them to expand their services and employ more people. The success story of the Uromed Clinic demonstrates the impact of investing in women and their entrepreneurial ventures.
Another inspiring story is that of Tadala Kathumba, a shareholder of Tapempha Medical Care Centre along the Lilongwe-Mchinji Road. With funding from the FInEs project through NBM Development Bank Limited, she was able to construct a 100-bed clinic and acquire essential medical equipment. The clinic now serves thousands of patients each month and employs a significant number of people, contributing to the local community and economy.
These stories emphasize the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs who often face challenges in accessing finance from traditional sources. The theme of International Women’s Day this year, “Inspire Inclusion,” underscores the need to invest in women to accelerate progress towards gender equality and empowerment. By empowering women financially, they can make meaningful contributions to the economy and society at large.
The Ministry of Gender in Malawi commends NBM for its commitment to empowering women through financial support, aligning with the government’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s rights. By collaborating with initiatives like FInEs, women entrepreneurs like Dr. Mabedi and Tadala Kathumba have been able to realize their dreams and contribute to the development of the nation.
NBM Development Bank Limited has taken a different approach to provide financial support to Malawian entrepreneurs, with a focus on small and medium enterprises, including women-owned businesses. The success stories of Dr. Mabedi and Tadala Kathumba demonstrate the impact of this support, showcasing how women entrepreneurs can thrive when given the opportunity.
Through their dedication and perseverance, these women have been able to build successful businesses and make a positive impact in their communities. With the continued support of institutions like NBM Development Bank Limited, more women entrepreneurs in Malawi will have the chance to achieve their dreams and contribute to the economic growth of the country.
Read the original article on Malawi Voice
