Women trained in vocational skills through the EWG project in Malawi expressed a strong interest in sharing their knowledge with other women and girls in their communities. In appreciation of their enthusiasm, CYO, the implementing partner of the EWG project, worked with the women to explore innovative ways to expand access to training materials in rural areas where access to smartphones and internet connectivity remains limited.
Following discussions with the women, the project introduced an innovative community-based technology solution that used the Aptus offline learning device. Many rural women do not own smartphones, so an overhead projector was provided to enable collective learning — groups of women and girls could now access training content together. An orientation was conducted to train the women on setting up the system, including connecting the Aptus device to the projector, linking it to mobile phones or computers, and accessing and uploading contextualised learning materials.
This grassroots transfer of technology represents an innovative shift in how vocational training is delivered in rural communities. The women began self-initiated community training sessions in March 2025, using the Aptus device to access instructional content. These sessions focused on vocational skills such as soap-making, petroleum jelly production, tailoring, fashion designing and basic entrepreneurship. During the early stages, CYO staff provided onsite mentoring to help troubleshoot technical issues and strengthen the women’s confidence in operating the technology independently.
A group of 23 women emerged as local trainers, marking a significant departure from previous trainings that had largely been facilitated by male trainers. The women worked closely with community leaders and traditional chiefs to mobilise other women and girls to participate in the training sessions. Communities supported the initiative by providing spaces where the sessions could be conducted.
By bringing technology directly into communities, the initiative overcame significant barriers to accessing livelihood skills. Since its launch, five community-based trainings have been conducted in soap-making, tailoring, petroleum jelly production, fashion designing and entrepreneurship, reaching a total of 448 women and girls. Many of the participants have already begun applying their newly acquired skills to establish small enterprises and generate income. The women who operate the technology have gained recognition as competent trainers and community resource persons, strengthening their confidence and leadership in an area traditionally dominated by men.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, the initiative has created important social change. The women who operate the technology have gained recognition as competent trainers and community resource persons, strengthening their confidence and leadership in an area traditionally dominated by men. The collective use of the Aptus device has also fostered solidarity and collaboration among the women, as they work together to organise and deliver training sessions.
This innovative approach demonstrates how simple, accessible technology can transform knowledge sharing in rural communities. By placing digital learning tools directly in the hands of women and girls and enabling them to train others, the initiative is gradually shifting traditional perceptions about women and technology while expanding opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Contributed by CYO, Malawi.
