GESI promising practice: Malawi Empowered Worldview

The Empowered Worldview model, developed by World Vision, uses a faith-based behavior change approach to economic well-being, aiming to empower resource-poor households and communities for the sustained well-being of children. This model addresses the mindsets and beliefs that limit economic advancement by encouraging individuals and communities to examine their behavior through the lens of religious teachings that promote empowerment and positive worldviews. It is implemented alongside World Vision’s THRIVE (Transforming Household Resiliency in Vulnerable Environments) program, which empowers smallholder farmers in Malawi by building resilient livelihoods. Evidence from ongoing assessments and project reports shows that the approach has successfully transformed livelihoods, shifting communities from dependency to resilience, and has helped vulnerable groups develop a sense of personal responsibility and agency. Through this model, World Vision has enhanced its economic empowerment work, demonstrating the potential for using faith-based principles to drive sustainable development and community problem-solving.