Malawi Union for Informal Sector has conducted workshops in different districts in the Northern region of the country.
The theme of the workshops in all the places was “Leadership and organizing” and it brought together branch leaders and newly joined members in order to teach them how wealthy and what it means to be in the union.
In an interview with Emily Kamanga, one of the participants of the workshop held at William Koyi conference Hall in Mzuzu City, firstly appreciated the topics which are covered during the workshop saying that they are so helpful.
“The workshop taught us to have good behavior, leadership, about gender, our rights as vendors, organizing and the most important is how we can make our business grow”, said Kamanga.
She also added that, the knowledge they gained from the workshop is not only helpful to their businesses but also it is wealthy even to their families.
However, Mary Nkhoma, women chairperson from Nkhata Bay added that the main aim was to encourage each and every member of the association to mobilize about what Mufis does, for example human Rights, leadership and also giving each and every member the right to tell or mobilize others.
“It was so encouraging, me as the chairperson, it gave me a lot of support to the new members whom we have recruited”, said Nkhoma.
Meanwhile, members found this also as an opportunity to highlight some of the challenges they are facing as people who are doing different businesses.
Nkhoma said that business has been a challenge within them especially this year which is worse. So because business is not moving satisfactorily, supporting their families has been tougher than ever.
In addition to what Nkhoma has said, Zikani Moyo, MUFIS Chairperson for the northern region and he sells Irish potatoes, said that for them the business is not doing well because of the devaluation of the currency and few markets they have which leads to illegal vending of which in turn it causes trouble with the authorities.
Zidadi Phiri a chairperson from Nkhata Bay who sell vegetables, highlighted that MUFIS created a bond between the vendors and the authorities like the district council.
He also added that for now it is easy for them to give their concerns to the council since they have their minds opened through different workshops from the union which adds value to their livelihoods.
On the other hand, Moyo thanked MUFIS for giving them different education and stand for them since their challenges are being looked after very quick because union is power.
“Through MUFIS we have learnt social dialogue and this always help us to negotiate with the council whenever we are having a query for example the issue of hygiene of which the council built toilets in the markets which lacked that development”, said Moyo.
The workshops took place at Tigwirizane Cultural Center in Mzimba, William Koyi conference Hall in Mzuzu, Nkhaka lodge in Nkhata Bay and World Vision Hall at Mpamba, Nkhata Bay.
Talking to comrade Mwanda Chiwambala, Executive General Secretary from his office he thanked all facilitators who traveled to northern region and spent one week at he expense of their families who also require their presence. He also thanked the partners who assisted them financially.