In the heart of Mwense District, a remarkable story of resilience, empowerment, and transformation unfolds. Chandashika Catherine, popularly known as Mayo Mayo, is a shining example of how the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is changing lives, particularly for women. Through determination and strategic utilization of opportunities, she has risen from running a small shop to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry.
Catherine’s journey began with a humble shop where she sold groceries, hardware, and stationery. Recognizing the need to expand, she founded CADINO Construction, a company that diversified its operations to supply electrical materials to boarding schools constructed through a World Bank initiative. This marked the beginning of her foray into larger business opportunities.
Her breakthrough came in 2021 when she secured her first construction contract under CDF. She was awarded a project to rehabilitate a 1×2 classroom block and install a solar system at a staff house at Nkulumashiba Primary School in Mwense Ward. This opportunity not only provided her with financial growth but also expanded her experience in the construction sector.
Building on the success of her first project, Catherine successfully bid for other contracts in 2022 to 2023 like the construction of a 1×3 classroom block at Lukwesa Primary School, 1×3 Classroom Block at Kashiba and a water scheme at Tela Village. This expansion allowed her to employ four permanent staff members and an additional 41 casual workers on-site, thus contributing to job creation in her community.
Understanding the need for financial support to sustain and grow her business, she applied for the 2023 CDF Women and Youth Empowerment Loan. She was awarded K100,000.00, which she invested in boosting her operations. The funds enabled her to bid for larger projects, one of which she recently won—a contract to construct a 1×3 classroom block, an ablution block, a water supply system, and the delivery of 75 desks at Musungu Primary School. With this project, she has created employment for over 26 individuals, further strengthening economic activity in the area.
Beyond project execution, Catherine has continued to grow her business assets. She recently procured a 3-tonne tipper truck, which facilitates the transportation of construction materials and workers to project sites. Her journey illustrates how strategic use of CDF resources empowers women to scale their businesses and contribute to national development.
CDF has not only transformed her business but also impacted her family positively. She is now able to support her children’s education, with one of them pursuing a Pharmacy program at Evelyn Hone College. Her ability to provide for her family and inspire others stands as a testament to the life-changing potential CDF.
This year’s International Women’s day theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” resonates strongly with Catherine’s journey. Through CDF, women like her are gaining financial independence, breaking barriers in male-dominated industries, and uplifting their communities.
Catherine’s story is not just about her success—it is about the ripple effect of empowerment. By securing contracts, she provides jobs. By taking loans, she grows her business. By pursuing her dreams, she inspires other women to believe that they too can rise beyond societal limitations.
As CDF continues to fuel economic and social development, Catherine’s journey is a beacon of hope, showing that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. Thanks to the transformative power of CDF, more women are stepping into leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, shaping a brighter future for Zambia.
