Cause

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Poverty in Malawi has profound and multifaceted effects on women, exacerbating their vulnerabilities and limiting their opportunities.
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Malawi is one of the world’s most impoverished countries, ranking 174th out of 182 countries on the Human Development Index. With families living on less than 40p a day, poverty is widespread, and opportunities to escape the poverty trap are scarce. The cycle of poverty continues for generations, with children unable to receive an education and following in their mothers’ footsteps by scavenging the streets for food, begging for money, and eventually turning to sex work.

Driven into Prostitution by Extreme Poverty

The lack of opportunities in Malawi is forcing more and more women into the sex industry. Widows, divorcees and women with HIV are marginalised in society with little hope of getting a job. They are faced with a painful dilemma of how to find money for basic survival for themselves and their children. In this context, sex work has become a means for survival: a path which not only puts women and girls at risk of contracting HIV but also exposes them to violence, abuse and rape.

Early Marriage and Childbearing Due to Poverty

Early marriage and childbearing are significant issues in Malawi, deeply rooted in poverty. These practices have far-reaching consequences for girls and their communities, families living in poverty may view early marriage as a financial strategy. Marrying off daughters reduces the number of dependents at home and can bring in dowry payments, providing immediate financial relief. the affects of child marriage can be damaging”

Gender-Based Violence: Poverty increases the risk of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Women in desperate situations may be coerced into sex work or other exploitative labor to provide for their families.

Increased Poverty: Early marriage often leads to continued economic hardship, as young couples lack the education and skills needed for stable, well-paying jobs. This creates a cycle of poverty for the next generation.

Mental Health: Early marriage typically results in a loss of personal autonomy for girls, who may have little say in their own lives and futures. This can have long-term psychological and emotional impacts.

Children Giving Birth to Children: Early pregnancy poses severe health risks for young girls, including complications during childbirth, higher maternal and infant mortality rates, and long-term health issues.

Grace was 13 years old when she was forced into marriage in a rural village in southern Malawi. Her family was extremely poor and struggled to provide food and basic necessities. They saw marriage as a way to reduce their financial burden and secure a better future for Grace. Grace was pulled out of school when she got married. Her dreams of becoming a teacher were shattered, and she was left with limited options for the future. Grace became pregnant soon after her marriage. The pregnancy was difficult, and she suffered complications during childbirth due to her young age and lack of medical care. Both her health and her baby’s were at risk. Grace experienced domestic violence in her marriage. She had no support system and was isolated from her friends and family.

What We Are Doing

Forgotten Women is on the ground in Malawi creating opportunities for women to escape the poverty trap. Our ‘Poverty to Profit’ project enables women to earn £60 or more a month, whereas before they would have earned less than 40p a day. This income is enough to feed, clothe, and send their children to school. Please support these women in regaining their independence and their dignity. You can make a difference and change the life of not just a woman, but an entire generation permanently.

1 Women In Business (one-off): £1000

1 Women In Business (monthly donation): £100 x 10