Why love matters

While love is in the air, it seems all the more fitting to shine a light on some of our favourite loved-up couples who continue to inspire us every day with their commitment and devotion.

Sadly, gender equality is globally the most common form of inequality and remains a major obstacle to the eradication of poverty. We specifically focus on gender equality as a means to significantly reduce inequalities and empower people living in extreme poverty to improve their lives.

Working together, these couples are building brighter futures for themselves and lifting themselves out of poverty, all through the power of love.

In Malawi, Smart Minezhi and his wife Mage Smart have been married for over 40 years. Their secret to a happy and fulfilling marriage? Simply treating each other with respect. Smart is a role model for a lot of families in the village of Chabulumunda because of the way he supports his wife. Whilst Smart is an inspiration to many, some men criticise him for his actions but this doesn't phase him. He says ‘this does not demotivate me since I am doing this in order for my house to live a better life.'

Ibrahim and Gbassy from Kiampkakoli in Sierra Leone have been together for 15 years. He supports his wife by helping with the daily chores, fetching wood to cook, pounding rice, and cooking for her. They love each other and he takes good care of her. Together they are able to send their three children to school because they recognise the importance of education. Ibrahim wants his children to work hard to get ahead in life.

Gibrilla from Petifu Mandugu, Sierra Leone is married to Rugiatu and they have two children, Zainab and Hassan. He believes he and Rugiatu should work together, rather than have her work for him. When she’s working in the market, he is happy to stay home and look after their children. Gibrilla loves his wife, and he wants to be an example for his children. He wants them to grow up to be decent adults, and know to love and respect their partners.

Amadu and Mariatu from Manewa village in Sierra Leone have been married for 16 years. They have a cookery rice business, where they work together. To meet customer demand, they get up early to prepare the meals together. While Amadu cleans the pots and pans and prepares the plates to serve, his wife prepares the fire and sweeps. To focus on their business, the couple shares many of the household tasks, including washing clothes and cleaning their home as well as taking care of their children.

Abdulai and Jane from Rochen Malal in Sierra Leone have been married for 35 years. They have 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Abdulai and Jane have always had a good marriage and they have always worked together to support their family. They consider themselves examples for their children and their community and wish that the young people around them will form a home free of violence, where the couple supports and loves each other.

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