Empowering women economically through information sharing: experiences from Mzuzu university American corner

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated economic empowerment of women through information sharing in Mzuzu, Malawi in order to establish their information needs, how storytelling has been used as a tool for sharing business information among women, and the benefits of story sharing as a strategy for information sharing among business women in Mzuzu. The study used the qualitative approach where focus group discussions were used to collect data. Data was analysed through content analysis, and findings presented using themes. Findings have revealed that women running small businesses in Mzuzu need information on how to start a business, business capital, markets and profit margins expected. The study also revealed that women running small businesses in Mzuzu use storytelling at the Mzuzu University American Corner Library as the only formal means of gathering business information; and that through storytelling, they are influenced, empowered, encouraged, discover new business adventures, and develop a resilient spirit. The study recommends that libraries should consider designating spaces where communities can be meeting to share information to meet their basic information needs; libraries should consider having special storytelling programmes where communities share stories about issues affecting them in their daily lives; and finally, libraries should heighten awareness of the benefits of story sharing as a strategy for sharing information among people of similar interests.