Disasters do not just destroy homes, they uproot lives, shatter stability, and leave families struggling to rebuild from the ground up. For many internally displaced families in Malawi’s Mussa Village, the challenge is not just recovering from the initial shock but finding a way to restore dignity, livelihoods, and a sense of belonging. On March 12, 2023, Cyclone Freddy severely impacted Chiradzulu district, completely devastating Musaa Village. The disaster claimed 18 lives, while 16 individuals remain missing to this day. The village became uninhabitable, forcing residents to seek refuge in camps. A total of 59 families were displaced. While emergency aid provides immediate relief, the real work begins in the aftermath—helping families transition from survival to self-sufficiency.
This is where the Family Matters Assistance Project, led by Milliam Chilemba, is making a difference. Recognizing that families are the foundation of strong communities, this initiative is designed to support displaced households by empowering them with economic opportunities, leadership training, and community-driven solutions. The project reflects the Global Peace Women (GPW) approach, which emphasizes the role of women as central figures in rebuilding peace, stability, and resilience within families and communities.
At the heart of this initiative is the belief that women’s leadership is key to sustainable recovery. Through the introduction of Sunshine Family Volunteers and the establishment of Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups, women in Mussa Village are stepping forward to restore economic stability and provide hope for their families. These programs equip families—especially mothers—with the skills and resources to start small businesses, manage finances, and create sustainable income streams in the absence of traditional employment or farmland.
One of the project’s most significant successes has been the business and financial management training, which has already benefited 20 families. By learning how to save, invest, and grow their businesses, these families are taking crucial steps toward independence. The project also fosters community cohesion, ensuring that no family has to rebuild alone.
While the project has reached over 90 percent of its intended participants, challenges remain. Funding constraints have limited support for all displaced families, and a lack of farmland in the resettlement areas has heightened food insecurity. However, Chilemba’s leadership has been instrumental in engaging local district officials to advocate for additional resources and policy support, reflecting GPW’s commitment to collaborative decision-making and efforts to find sustainable solutions. This participatory approach ensures that recovery work is not imposed from the outside but shaped by the people they serve. With more resources, the project will strengthen VSL groups, provide more business training, and offer alternative income-generating opportunities for displaced families.
This initiative is a powerful example of how women-led, family-centered approaches can transform disaster recovery from a struggle for survival into an opportunity for growth and resilience. When women lead, families thrive, communities rebuild, and societies move toward lasting peace. Through the GPW vision of peacebuilding through family and community leadership, Mussa Village is proving that recovery is not just about rebuilding structures, it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and the strength of families.
Learn more about GPW’s work in empowering Women and Families in Peacebuilding. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.
