World Bank-supported SWL initiative shows significant gains for Zambian women

The World Bank and the Zambian government have unveiled the results of a groundbreaking impact evaluation of the Supporting Women’s Livelihoods (SWL) component under the GEWEL Project.

The evidence presented indicates that extreme poverty had reduced by 30 percent, household income increased by 62 percent, and savings grew by 234 percent.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Senior Social Protection Specialist, Nadia Selim, highlighted the findings during the launch in Lusaka on Thursday.

Fock also pledged sector collaboration that focuses on deepening human capital development for vulnerable girls and poor women.

“As the World Bank, we remain committed to continuing supporting the efforts to expand social protection to all that need it,” he said.

Fock congratulated the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services for the strong results achieved under the SWL initiative in empowering vulnerable women to become financially independent and drive change in their communities.

He stated that, financed by the World Bank and Trust Fund donors, the findings mark a significant milestone in collective efforts to advance the economic empowerment of vulnerable women in Zambia.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami said Zambia’s attainment of middle-income status, as outlined in Vision 2030, depended on reducing national poverty and inequality through initiatives such as SWL.

“As government, we wish to express our gratitude to the World Bank Africa Gender Innovation Lab (GIL) for providing technical support towards the impact evaluation survey, which will contribute to improved livelihoods and greater economic independence for beneficiary households,” Kawandami said.

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