Namibia: Donatilla Amwaalwa

My name is Donatilla Amwaalwa ,56 years of age from Omagalanga village. I started Gender Link training on 07 July 2014 at Oshikuku; so far I didn’t miss any workshop for Gender Link. Before I started the training I was suffering, because I was not getting any income. In the past I couldn’t make decision in the house because my husband was always dominating me. He wasn’t respecting me because I was not earning any income. I was not happy because my husband force me to accept decision that not even my interest .He thought I am not mature enough to make right decision. After I get the training for starting a business every thing went back to normal in the house, This workshop help me ,because I am getting income from my business. I make clothes for children and women,the business is really progressing well, even although I was facing challenges at beginning. I was not having enough money to buy material for making clothes. Even although it was not easy at beginning, I try my best to be were I am today.

I think Gender Link workshop it really help me,because my husband is no more treating me badly unlike in the past, he don’t get angry easily with me anymore ,because I also bring food on table ,he respect me unlike in the past. Now can buy cosmetics for children and also pay school fees. My life really change for better, I can see everything on the right track. It is very important for women to take care of the house and also buy anything that is needed in the house. It is also very necessary for women to always look for income earning project and start selling product to help them, so that they will not be abused by men. During training I learn a lot of skills on how to maintain peace with my husband and avoid conflict with him. People from my village are even sock to see how I am maintaining a good relationship with my husband unlike in past. Some even started to ask me how I am managing my husband to keep him happy. People are now asking more information about how to start small business enterprise (SME). I am someone who always trying to succeed in doing good business . I think I came a long way to be were I am today.

In the future I am planning to start making jersey for cold weather because they are in demand. I am really appreciating Gender Link workshop, because I valued it very much. It help me to progress in life, now I am energetic, I can make my business work because I am empowered. So let Gender Link workshop continues for the betterment of the society.