Abbie Trayler-Smith

Ruthy Myabepo a banana grower, one of a number of women from the rural village of Chiawa who have been supported by Oxfam. The Charity have invested in solar fencing, irrigation, and training; empowering people, saving lives, and ensuring women can afford to build better housing and send their children to school. Ruthy says: 'It used to be very challenging living here. We survived by cultivating a vegetable garden along the river. Money was always a challenge. It was a very hard life. Sometimes I would have no answers for my children when they asked for something. On this farm, I begin by saying thank you. From the time we started doing business, to now, my focus is to ensure I can invest in my children's education. I feel it's important. As a woman, I have never been to school. But I deserve to go to school. I don't want my children to experience this. I am positive my children will have a good life. I have six children. It's difficult looking after them. My relatives helped with the first two. Firstly I am praying that god will give us a good life span. I take this project as a rare privilege. I am someone who has benefited. I want to continue this work. There are a lot more women who deserve to be part of this group. Women who have challenges and don't know where to look for help.'