VSL share out Survey in Machinga District, Malawi

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VSL SHAREOUT SURVEY IN MACHINGA DISTRICT
MALAWI
June, 2021
Conducted by: Arthur Kamoto
Funded by:

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List of acronyms
ADC: Area Development Committee
CA: Community Facilitator
EI: Emmanuel International
EIM: Emmanuel International Malawi
FGD: Focus Group Discussion
GVH: Group Village Head
GBV: Gender Based Violence
IP: Implementing Partner
KI: Key Informant Interview
M&E: Monitoring and Evaluation
MWK: Malawi Kwacha
MEAL: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
SI: Spotlight Initiative
SOS: Share Out Survey
SGBV: Sexual Gender Based Violence
TA: Traditional Authority
UN: United National
VSL: Village Savings and Loans
VSLA: Village, Savings and Loans Approach

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Contents
Executive Summary............................................................................................................................5
1.0 BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY ..............................................................................6
1.3 Research Goal and Objectives ....................................................................................................6
1.4 Targeting and Sampling.............................................................................................................7
1.5 Methodology.............................................................................................................................7
1.51 Research strategy.................................................................................................................7
1.6 Data Collection techniques.........................................................................................................7
1.7 Data Validity.............................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER TWO................................................................................................................................9
2.0 PRESENTATION OF RESULTS/FINDINGS...........................................................................9
2.1 Demographic Information..........................................................................................................9
2.2 VSL membership and activities ................................................................................................12
2.3 Impact of VSL share out..........................................................................................................16
2.4 Gender and Power Dynamics ...................................................................................................20
CHAPTER THREE..........................................................................................................................23
3.0 DISCUSSION ON FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS....................23
3.1 Discussion of findings .............................................................................................................23
3.11 VSL membership and activities...........................................................................................23
3.12 Impact of VSL share out.....................................................................................................24
3.13 Gender and Power Dynamics..............................................................................................25
3.2 Recommendations ...................................................................................................................26
3.3 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................26

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Acknowledgement
This survey was made possible with funding from UNWomen through Emmanuel International
Malawi under Spotlight Initiative Project in Machinga District. Opinion, findings, conclusions and
recommendations expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect views of
Emmanuel International Malawi and UNWomen Malawi.

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Executive Summary
Emmanuel International Malawi (EIM) with funding from UNWomen conducted a share out
survey for the 2020- 2021 VSL cycle in Machinga District. The survey was aimed at assessing the
outcomes of VSL share out among 135 VSL groups supported by Wakana Nkhanza project in
Machinga District. Specifically the survey was aimed at; establishing the amount of funds
generated by VSLs groups, assessing the impact of VSL shareout funds on VSL members
including survivors of SGBV and identify the role of gender dynamics in decision making on VSL
shareout funds. The survey targeted 9 TAs of Machinga district namely; TA’s Chamba, Nkoola,
Nkula, Sitola, Mlomba, Kawinga, Nsanama, Nyambi and Ngokwe. Both qualitative and
quantitative survey methodology was used to collect data. Over 361 respondents (70 survivors of
GBV, 270 Women VSL members and 90 VSL leaders) participated in the survey.
According to the survey results; 89.5% of the VSL members who participated in the share out
survey in Machinga District are into agribusiness while 10.5% are into other businesses (retail
shop, transport business, energy and clothing). During the survey, it was observed that VSL
members who were engaged in group business got more returns from share out compared to VSL
members who were not engaged in group business. Furthermore, the survey results indicated that
VSL share out returns are improving the lives of VSL members including their households and
communities. The VSL share out returns had also been mentioned to bring relief to survivors of
GBV in Machinga District. For example, 98.5% of the survivors claimed that the share out return
had brought them financial independency, financial security, access to loans and platform for
socialization. Additionally, 8% of the survivors claimed to have started experiencing reduction in
incidences of abuse from their husbands. The results have also indicated that majority women
(60.4%) could still not make their own decisions regarding the VSL share out returns. For instance
60.4% women respondents had to ask someone and get permission in order to spend their own
VSL share out funds.
In conclusion, the share out survey has shown that VSL is bringing positive impact on the lives of
women survivors of GBV and ordinary VSL members. However more need to be done in order
improve VSL member’s share out returns. For example, access to capital need to be improved,
group business need to be promoted and deliberate interventions need to be implemented in order
to encourage women to actively participate in decision making regarding their personal lives,
household lives and wider community.

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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY
1.1 Background
Emmanuel International Malawi (EIM) with funding from UNWomen is implementing a one-year
(2020 to 2021) End Violence-Wakana Nkhanza project in Machinga District. The project is part
of Spot-light initiative aimed at reducing incidences of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in
Malawi. In this program E.I.M is implementing a women economic empowerment component
(under purpose 2 of the program) in Machinga through promotion of VSL groups targeting
survivors of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV). Wakana Nkhanza project is targeting 9 TAs
of Machinga TAs namely; Chamba, Nkoola, Nkula, Sitola, Mlomba, Kawinga, Nsanama, Nyambi
and Ngokwe. Currently, Emmanuel International through Wakana Nkhanza project has reached
over 135 VSL groups with 2930 female members. In June, 2021, Emmanuel International Malawi
through its M&E department conducted a share out survey for the 2019- 2020 VSL cycle. The
survey was aimed at assessing the outcomes of VSL share out among 135 VSL groups supported
by Wakana Nkhanza project in Machinga District, Malawi. This report therefore present the
findings for the 2019- 2020 VSL share out survey.
1.3 ResearchGoal and Objectives
1.31 Goal
 Assess the outcomes of VSL share out among 135 VSL groups supported by Wakana
Nkhanza project in Machinga District, Malawi
1.3.2 Objective
 Establish amount of funds generated by VSLs supported by Spotlight project in
Machinga
 Assess impact of VSL shareout funds on VSL members including survivors of
SGBV
 Identify role of gender dynamics in decision making on VSL shareout funds

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1.4 Targeting and Sampling
1.41 Target Group
The Share- out survey targeted women survivors of GBV, VSL leaders, VSL members and
Community VSL volunteers.
1.42 Sample size
The survey had a total sample size of 486 VSL members. This included 81 women survivors of
GBV, 9 per each of the nine targeted TAs, 90 VSL leaders, 10 per each of the nine TAs, 270 VSL
members, 90 per each of the nine targeted TAs and 27 community VSL volunteers with 3
volunteers per each of the nine targeted TAs.
1.5 Methodology
1.51 Researchstrategy
The survey used both qualitative and quantitative methodology. Therefore both content
analysis and descriptive data analysis was used.
1.6 Data Collection techniques
The survey used interviews and focus group discussions in order to collect data.
1.61 Tools
Semi structured Questionnaires and focus group discussion guide were be used for data collection.
The tools were administered through one-on-one interviews and group discussion with VSL
members, survivors of GBV, Community Volunteers and VSL leaders.
1.62 Sampling
The survey used purposive sampling to select VSL leaders and Community VSL volunteers
while simple random sampling was used to select VSL members and survivors of GBV.

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1.7 Data Validity
1.71 Triangulation
In order to ensure the validity of data, three main sources of data were used, these included;
ordinary VSL members, women survivor of GBV and VSL leaders. Additionally, three methods
of data collection were used, these included one on one interviews with VSL members and women
survivor of GBV, key informant interviews with VSL leaders and separate focus group discussions
with ordinary VSL members, women survivor of GBV and VSL leaders.

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Picture 1: Map of Malawi showing Machinga District
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 PRESENTATION OF RESULTS/FINDINGS
2.1 Demographic Information
2.11 The Area
The VSL Share- out Survey was conducted in Machinga, a district in Southern part of Malawi.
The district covers an area of 3,771 km.² and has a population of 735,438 (350,742male, 384,696
female). However, the survey targeted only nine TAs of Machinga within Spotlight project
catchment area. Specifically the TAs included; TA Nsanama with a population of 38518 (18423
male 20095 female), TA Sitola with 25138 (11824male, 13314 female) people, TA Nkula with
27349 (12864 male, 14485 female) people, TA Kawinga with 92144 (43833 male, 48311female)
people, TA Nkoola with 54169 (25931 male, 28238 female) people, TA Chamba with 33009
(15652 male, 17357 female) people, TA Mlomba with 62263 (29613 male, 32650 female) people,
TA Ngokwe with 37602 (18274 male, 19328female) people and TA Nyambi with 55989 (26177
male, 29812 female)1
Map of Malawi showing Machinga District
1 2018 Malawi Population & HousingCensus

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9%
91%
SEX OF RESPONDENTS
Male Female
Pie chart 1: Illustrating sex of respondents
Graph 1 showing type of respondents
20%
54.4%
25.6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Type of respondents by percentage
Survivors- VSL members Ordinary VSL members VSL leaders
2.12 Sex and Respondent Type
The VSL Share- out survey reached 351 respondents. Among them, 351 were female while 30
were male. This translated into 91% of the respondents being female while 9% being male. Out
of the 351 respondents, 70 were survivors of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) while 191
were ordinary female VSL members and 90 were VSL leaders (60 female, 30 male). The following
tables and diagrams illustrate respondent’s sex and type.
Table 1 Showing sex of respondents
Table 2 Showing respondentsby type
Respondent type
Status Frequency Percent
Survivors- VSL members 70 20
Ordinary VSL members 191 54.4
VSL leaders 90 25.6
Total 351 100.0
Sex
Status Number Percentage
Male 30 9
Female 321 91
Total 351 100

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2.13 Allocation of respondents per TA
The share out survey reached out to 351 respondents out of 486 targeted respondents. The
respondents were composed of women survivor of GBV, ordinary VSL members and VSL leaders.
In TA Chamba; 8 were survivors of GBV while 25 were ordinary members and 10 were VSL
leaders, in TA Nkoola 8 were survivors while 20 were ordinary members and 10 were VSL leaders,
in TA Nkula 8 were ordinary members while 20 were survivors and 10 were VSL leaders, in TA
Sitola 7 were survivors while 20 were ordinary members and 10 were VSL leaders, in TA Mlomba
8 were ordinary members while 25 were survivors and 10 were VSL leaders, in TA Kawinga 8
were survivors while 20 were ordinary members and 10 were VSL leaders, in TA Nsanama, 7
were survivors while 20 were ordinary members and 10 were VSL leaders, in TA Nyambi 8 were
survivors while 20 were ordinary members and 10 were VSL leaders. Finally, in TA Nkoola, 8
were survivors and 21 were ordinary members and 10 were VSL leaders. The table and graph
below depict allocation of respondents per TA
Table 3 Allocation of respondents per TA
Respondenttype Chamba Nkoola Nkula Sitola Mlomba Kawinga Nsanama Nyambi Nkoola
Womensurvivorof GBV 8 8 8 7 8 8 7 8 8
VSL members 25 20 20 30 25 20 20 20 21
VSL leaders 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Graph 2 Showing allocation of respondentsperTA
8 8 8 7 8 8 7 8 8
25
20 20
30
25
20 20 20 21
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Chamba Nkoola Nkula Sitola Mlomba Kawinga Nsanama Nyambi Nkoola
Allocation of reached respondents per TA
Women survivor of GBV VSL members VSL leaders

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Graph 3 showing type businesses by respondents
2.2 VSL membership and activities
2.21 Type of business
During the share out survey, respondents were asked to mention type of businesses they are
engaged in. The survey results showed that; 89.5 % of the respondents were into agribusiness
related businesses ( i.e Maize, Rice, Pigeon Peas, Tomato, Vegitables, 4.3 were into reteral
business (shops, cantine), 0.6% were into livestock business ( Goats and Chickens), 0.3% were
into transport business ( bicycle taxi), 1.5% were into energy related business ( solar, firewood and
charcoal), 3.4% were into clothing industry ( secondhand cloth, wrappers, shoes and new clothes)
and 0.6% were into food business ( small scale backery, restraunt, popcone, cooked food vending
and cerial drinks). The table and graph below shows the results.
Table 4 Showing type of businesses byrespondents
Type of respondents Number of respondents Percentage
Agribusiness 316 90.1
Literal shop 15 4.3
Transport 1 0.3
Energy 5 1.4
Clothing 12 3.4
Food and Beverage 2 0.6
Total 351 100
90.1
4.3 0.3 1.4 3.4 0.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Agribusiness Literal shop Transport Energy Clothing Food and
Beverage
Type of business by respondents

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Graph 4 displaying engagement of VSL members in group business
74%
26%
VSL members who were engagedin group
business
Yes No
2.22 Engagement in Group Business
The survey respondents were also asked on whether they are engaged in group business. According
to the survey results, 259 VSL members out of 351 VSL members were engaged in group business
while 92 VSL members out of 351 VSL members were not engaged in group business. This means
that 73.8% of the respondents were engaged into group business while 26.2% of the VSL members
were not engaged in group business. The table and graph below display engagement of VSL
members in group business.
Table 5 Showing engagement of VSL members in group business
Response Frequency Percent
Yes 259 73.8
No 92 26.2
Total 351 100

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251
91
8
1
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
0- 50,000 MWK
50,001- 100,001 MWK
100,002- 150,002 MWK
150,003- 200,003 MWK
Amount received by members from 2020-
2021 VSL Share- out
Graph 5 Showing amounts received by the sampled VSL members
2.23 Amount received by members from 2020- 2021 VSL Share- out
According to the shareout events in 135 VSL groups supported by Spotlight Initiative Project;
334 out of 351 VSL members who participated in 2020- 2021 VSL cycle managed to get returns
(above 1 MWK) from their respective VSL groups. The share out survey indicated that 71.5% of
the VSL members got between 0 – 50,000 MWK, 29.9% VSL members got between 50,001-
100,001 MWK, 2.3% VSL members got between 100,002- 50,002 MWK and 0.3% VSL members
got 150,003- 200,003 MWK. Therefore, the results shows that majority of the VSL members got
between 0- 50,000 MWK while minority of the VSL members got between 100,002 – 200,003
MWK. Table 6 and graph 5 below depicts the results.
Table 6 Showing amount received by the sampled VSL members
Amount (MWK)
Number of members Percent
0- 50,000 251 71.5
50,001- 100,001 91 25.9
100,002- 150,002 8 2.3
150,003- 200,003 1 0.3
Total 351 100

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3
169
62
2
71
18
0
50
100
150
200
Non respoonse Yes No
Funds received Vs Engagement in group
business
0- 50,000 50,001- 100,001 100,002- 150,002 150,003- 200,003
Graph 6 showing relationship between funds received and engagement in group business
2.24 The VSL share out funds and the engagement of VSL members in group business
According to the survey results, 72.2% of VSL members who got between 0- 50,000 MWK were
engaged in group business while 26.5% were not; 78% of the VSL members who got between
50,001- 100,001 were in group business while 19.8% were not; 75% of VSL members who got
10,002- 150,002 were in group business while 25% were not and finally all members who got
between 150,003- 200,003 were in group business while none of the members who was not in
group business got the same amount. The cross tabulation and graph bellow depicts the results.
Funds received Vs Engaged in group business
Cross tabulation
Count
Engaged in group business
Total
Yes No
Funds received
0- 50,000 3 169 62 234
50,001- 100,001 2 71 18 91
100,002- 150,002 0 6 2 8
150,003- 200,003 0 1 0 1
Total 5 247 82 334
Table 7 Showing relationship between funds received and participation in group businesses

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83%
17%
Fulfilment of VSL member goals after
first VSL cycle
Yes
No
Graph 7 depicting number of VSL members who fulfilled their personal financial goals
2.3 Impact of VSL share out
2.31 VSL members’ personal goal
During the share out survey, 351 sampled VSL members were asked on whether their goals were
fulfilled after the 2020- 2021 VSL cycle. According to the survey results, 293 VSL members,
representing 83.5% fulfilled their goals while only 58 VSL members, representing 16.5% did not
fulfill their goal. When a probe was made on why the 16.5% did not fulfill their goals, 74.1% of
the respondents stated that they joined the VSL cycle very late as a result they got little funds to
fulfil their goals. On the other hand, 25.9% of VSL members who did not fulfill their goals stated
that their returns from share out was grabbed by their husbands.
Table 8 Showing number of VSL members who fulfilled their personal financial goals
Fulfilment of VSL member goals after first VSL cycle
Yes 293 83.5
No 58 16.5
Total 351 100.0
Table 9 Fulfillment of personal goals
Reasons for goals not being
fulfilled by respondents
Reasons Frequency Percent
Money grabbed
by husband
15 25.9
Started late 43 74.1
Total 58 100.0

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96.6
3.4
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
VSL members who lives have improved because of
VSL
Yes No
Graph 8 Depicting improvement of personal lives
2.32 Impact of VSL on Personal lives
The standard VSL methodology encourage VSL members to set personal financial goals for each
and every VSL cycle. In this regard, 351 targeted VSL members were asked if VSL has contributed
towards the improvement of their lives. According to the survey results, 339 VSL members
representing 96.6% stated that VSL had improved their lives while 12 VSL members representing
3.4% stated that VSL had not improved their lives. When probed, 6.23% of members whose lives
had not improved stated that their husbands had grabbed their share out returns, 6.23% stated that
they joined late, 31.4% stated that they got little funds from share out while 50% stated that they
had little capital. Table 10 and graph8 shows the results.
Impact of VSL towards improvement of personal lives
Yes 339 96.6
No 12 3.4
Total 351 100.0
Table 10 Improvement of personal lives

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Members of VSL were asked on how VSL had improved their lives. According to the survey
results, respondents equated improvement of their lives to their capacity to build houses, purchase
clothes and food, send their children to school, financial stability and independency, descent
houses and sleeping place, ownership of land, ability to pay bills and peace of mind. Additionally,
86% of the respondents stated that their lives had improved because they were able to purchase
notable assets such as livestock, motorcycle, bicycle, house maintenance materials, radio and
phones.
Table 11 Reasons for improved lives of VSL members
Table 12 Assets bought by VSL members
Purchased item
Frequency Percent
None
50 14.2
Livestock 142 40.5
Motorcycle 2 .6
Bicycle 49 14.0
House maintenance 56 16.0
Radio 5 1.4
Phone 9 2.6
Others 38 10.8
Total 351 100.0
Responses Frequency Percent
Belt a house 21 6.2
Boughtclothes 35 10.3
Supported children education 30 8.8
Boughtfood 34 10.0
Financial stability 87 25.6
Financial independency 65 19.1
Descenthouse/home with mattress beds 17 5.0
Boughtfarm inputs 18 5.3
VSL shares 8 2.4
Paid medical bills 9 2.6
Peace of mind 11 3.2
Boughtland 1 0.3
Reduced incidences ofabuse by husband 4 1.2
Total 340 100.0

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98.5
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
Relief No relief
Survivors who felt relief from their past GBV
experiences
Graph 9 showing percentage of survivors who felt relief from VSL groups
2.33 Impact of VSL on GBV experiences
The share out survey inquired from survivors of GBV on whether VSL had brought relief from
their past experiences. According to the results, 98.5% of the survivors stated that VSL has brought
relief to their past GBV experience while 1.5% stated that VSL brought no relief to their past
experience. A probe was made to survivors who felt relief from their past GBV experiences as a
result of joining VSL groups. According to their responses; 15% of the survivors stated that they
were able to socialize, 58% stated that they had financial independence, 8% stated that they had
financial security, 10% stated that they had access to loans while 8% stated they experienced
reduced incidences of abuse from their husbands. Table 13, 14 and graph 9 below shows the
results.
Relief brought by VSL to the survivors of GBV
Able to socialize 7 15
Financial independency 28 58
Financial security 4 8
Access to loan 5 10
Reduced incidences ofabuse from husband 4 8
Total 48 100
Table 14 Relief brought by VSL to the survivors of GBV
Survivors who felt relief from
their past GBV experience
Relief 64 98.5
No relief 1 1.5
Total 65 100.0
Table 13 Survivors who felt relief from VSL

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60.40%
39.60%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
Yes No
Women who involved others in deciding
what to do with shareout funds Percent
2.4 Gender and Power Dynamics
The 2020- 2021 VSL share out survey investigated the impact of share out proceedings on gender
and power dynamics among the project’s targeted beneficiaries and communities; thus by looking
at how the proceedings from the share out has changed the relationship between males and females
including culture and decision making. The following are the results from the investigation.
2.41 Involvement ofothers in deciding making
Members of VSL were asked on whether they involved someone in deciding what to do the VSL
share out returns. According to the results, 212 respondents representing 60.4% of all the
respondents stated they involved someone in deciding what to do with the returns while 139
respondents representing 39.6% stated that they did not involve someone in deciding what to do
with the VSL returns. When further probe was made, VSL members who involved others stated
that they consulted their husbands, sons, daughter, brothers, friends, fellow VSL members and
VSL agents/community facilitators to help them decide what to do with share out returns. Tables
and graphs below shows the results.
Women who involved others in deciding
what to do with shareout funds
Yes 212 60.4
No 139 39.6
Total 351 100
Who was involved in deciding whatto do
with VSL share out funds
Consultant Frequency Percent
Husband 139 79.2
Son 31 8.8
Brother 23 6.6
Friends 7 2.0
VSL member 2 0.6
Daughter 8 2.3
VSL agent/
community
facilitator
2 0.6
Total 351 100.0

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2.42 Reasons for involving others
During the survey, 351 survivors were asked on why they involved others in deciding what to do
with share out returns. According to the survey results, 36.2% stated that they needed guidance,
41.9% stated that they were scared from being abused, 0.6% stated that they had disability and
21.4% stated that it was tradition to ask their husbands to help them decide on what to do with the
funds. The results therefore clearly shows that majority of the women consult others in fear of
being abased compared to other provided reasons. The table below depicts the responses.
Reasons for involving others in deciding what to do with VSL share out funds
Reasons Frequency Percent
Needed guidance 127 36.2
Scared of being abused 147 41.9
Has disability 2 0.6
Tradition/Culture 75 21.4
Total 351 100.0
36.2
41.9
0.6
21.4
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0
Needed guidance
Scared of being abused
Has disability
Tradition/Culture
Reasonsforinvolving others in deciding what
to do with VSL shareoutfunds

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2.43 Decision maker for VSL share out returns
During the survey, VSL members were asked on who makes decision on what to do with VSL
share out funds. According to the survey results, 52.1% of the members stated that they make
decisions themselves, 40.8% stated that their husbands decide for them and 7.1% stated that others
(relatives, friends) decide for them. The table and graph below depict the results.
Decision makerfor VSLshareoutreturns
Decision maker Frequency Percent
Myself 183 52.1
Husband 143 40.8
Others 25 7.1
Total 351 100
52.1
40.8
7.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Percent
Decision maker on share out returns
Myself Husband Others

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CHAPTER THREE
3.0 DISCUSSION ON FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
3.1 Discussion of findings
3.11 VSL membership and activities
The survey results have shown that majority (89.5%) of the VSL members in Machinga District
are into agribusiness ( i.e Maize, Rice, Pigeon Peas, Tomato, Vegitables) compared other
businesses like retail (4.3%) shops or canteene, livestock business (0.6% ), transport
business(0.3%), energy (1.5%- solar, firewood and charcoal) and clothing (3.4%). Hence,
Spotlight project need to consider introducing VSL members to high earning business such as agro
processing and other value additional businesses. A great relationship has been established
between share out returns and engagement of VSL members in group business. According to the
survey results, it has been observed that VSL members who were engaged in group business got
more money from share out compared to VSL members who were not engaged in group business.
For instance, 71 VSL members in group business were able to get between 50,001- 100,001 MWK
while only 18 VSL members not engaged in group businesses where able get the same about.
Additionally, majority of the VSL members who got highest amount of earning were engaged in
group businesses compared to those who were not engaged in group businesses. For instance, a
VSL member who got the highest amount in 2020- 2021 VSL share out was engaged in group
business. A probe was made during Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on why VSL members who
are engaged in group business got more returns compared to those not engaged in group business.
According the FGD, it was mentioned by members that group businesses provided an extra income
to VSL members which promote consistence purchasing of shares. Therefore, VSL members need
to be encouraged to engage into group businesses.
Case Study 1
During FGD, May Thomson, A VSl member from Tiyanjane VSL group in TA Mlomba
confessed that group business had helped her purchase more VSL shares. In her own words Mary
said “Business ya pagulu imatipasa ndalama zapadera kuti tizilimbikira kuponya ma share”-
Group business provide us with extra funds that encourages us to purchase VSL shares”.

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3.12 Impact of VSL share out
The survey results have indicated that VSL share out returns are improving the lives of VSL
members including their households and communities. For instance, 96.6% of the survey
respondents claimed that their lives had improved because of VSL. This is evidenced by 83.5% of
the respondents who are able to fulfil their personal and household’ goals. Additionally, the 2020-
2021VSL share out returns had enabled 86% of the respondents to purchase notable assets such as
livestock, motorcycle, bicycle, house maintenance materials, radios and cell phones. However,
lack of access to financial capital accounted for 50% of the reasons on why some respondents did
not to achieve their personal and household’ goals.
Furthermore, VSL share out returns had also been mentioned to bring relief to survivors of GBV
in Machinga District. For example, 98.5% of the survivors claimed that the share out return had
brought them financial independency, financial security, access to loans and platform for
socialization. Additionally, 8% of the survivors claimed to have started experiencing reduction in
incidences of abuse from their husbands, however, 25.9% of the survivors stated that their
husbands had grabbed their share out returns. This therefore contributed to 16.5% of the
respondents who did not achieve their goals.
Therefore, it can be concluded that VSL is a powerful to in economically empowering survivors
of GBV, however, in order to propel and sustain the positive impact of VSL among the survivors,
Spotlight project need to address issues of GBV and lack of access to financial capital among VSL
members.

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3.13 Gender and Power Dynamics
The 2020- 2021 VSL share out survey investigated the impact of share out proceedings on gender
and power dynamics among the project’s targeted beneficiaries and communities; thus by looking
at how the proceedings from the share out has changed the relationship between males and females
including culture and decision making. According to the survey results; majority women (60.4%)
could still not make their own decisions regarding the VSL share out returns. This provide a strong
indication of abuse, oppression and low confidence. For instance 60.4% women respondents had
to ask someone and get permission in order to spend their own VSL share out funds. Although,
32% of the respondents consulted others because they needed guidance on what to do with their
funds, 41.9% of the women respondents stated that they consulted someone (mostly their
husbands) because they were scared of being abused.
The share out survey also indicated signs of deep rooted culture of women oppression in Machinga
District. For instance 21.4% of women respondents stated that it was in their culture to consult
their husbands on what do with their own share out funds and get permission to start using the
funds. Based on this belief, over 40.8% of women respondents stated that their husbands decided
for them on what to do with the funds while 7.1% of the women respondents stated that their
relatives decide for them.
Therefore, despite the positive impact of Spotlight project through VSL interventions, more need
to be done in order to empower women to make their own decisions and actively participate in
decision making of their households and communities.

26
3.2 Recommendations
 VSL methodology needs to be promoted to more communities and districts as it has
proved to improve personal, household and community livelihood
 VSL need to be promoted among survivor of GBV as it has proved to bring relief and
reduce incidences of abuse at household level.
 Women need to be empowered to participate in making decisions on economic matters as
40.8% could not make decision on what to do with their returns
 Promote group businesses among VSL members in order to increase their returns
 Increase women’ access to financial capital as lack of capital was the main reason for
VSL share out returns among members
3.3 Conclusions
The Share out survey has shown that VSL is bringing positive impact on the lives of women
survivors of GBV and ordinary VSL members. For instance; personal, household and community
goals are being fulfilled. Additionally, survivors of GBVs are getting relief through VSL social
interaction platform, improved economic status and reduced incidences of abuse at household
level. However more need to be done in order improve VSL member’s share out returns. For
example, access to capital need to improved and group business need to be promoted as they have
proven to increase VSL shareout returns. Even though over half of the targeted women actively
participate in economic decision making at personal and household level, deliberate interventions
need to be implemented in order to encourage women to actively participate in decision making
regarding their personal lives, household lives and wider community. All in all, the 2020- 2021
VSL share out has brought positive impact to VSL members in Spotlight targeted TAs in Machinga
District.

VSL share out Survey in Machinga District, Malawi

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