About 80 women in Ntcheu Bwanje South Constituency are expected to be economically independent thanks to At-tareeqatul Qadriyyar SUNNI Association (AQSA) officials for making available 80 sewing machines.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony at Chikande Primary School in Ntcheu Bwanje, Monday, AQSA Chief Inspector, Alhaji Said Muhammed said the organisation is complementing government’s agenda on women empowerment.

“On behalf of AQSA, let me express my gratitude for making the donation to the women, these sewing machines will improve livelihoods in their families,” said Muhammed.

He then asked Member of Parliament for the area, Alexander Chilikumtima to consider putting the women into cooperatives to sustain their businesses.

One of the beneficiary, Fatima Kasimu from Chikande said the sewing machine besides skills gained were timely.

“Poor sound financial base has all long been a concern to properly feed my family. With skills gained and sewing machine received, I am assured of being economically independent,” she said.

She has since urged fellow beneficiaries to use the machines for the intended purpose.

So far, the Muslim based charity organisation has reached out to 21,000 women in over 12 districts in the country since it’s inception in 2001.