Assessing the effectiveness of Tailoring program on income generation among single mothers, in Khongo village, Lilongwe

Single mothers in rural Malawi face significant economic challenges, including limited income-generating opportunities and lack of marketable skills. This study assessed the effectiveness of a tailoring program in promoting income generation among single mothers in Khongo Village, Lilongwe District. The objectives were to evaluate participants' income levels before and after the program, examine the skills acquired and their contribution to income generation, and identify challenges faced in utilizing tailoring skills for economic empowerment. A case study design using a qualitative approach was adopted, and data were collected from 30 single mothers through questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed that the tailoring program significantly improved participants' income levels, with most reporting increased monthly earnings from tailoring-related activities. Key skills acquired included pattern making, cutting, sewing, and finishing techniques, which contributed directly to income generation through self-employment and freelance work. However, participants faced challenges including lack of capital, limited market access, competition, inadequate equipment, and time constraints that hindered optimal income generation.
The study concludes that vocational skills training programs, such as tailoring, play a vital role in economic empowerment of single mothers by equipping them with marketable skills and enhancing their financial stability. However, program effectiveness is constrained by resource limitations and lack of complementary business support. The study recommends enhanced resource mobilization, provision of start-up capital, integration of business management training, market linkage facilitation, and flexible program design to improve sustainability and impact. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems that address both technical skills development and the broader socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable women in rural community