Empowering Women in Malawi one person at a time

What is your organization? 

Ukani Malawi is a non-profit organisation co-founded by Temwa Chirembo and Modester Mangilani that deals with girl empowerment and gender equality and was founded in July 2016.

What inspired you to start that business? 

Growing up in one of the poorest countries in the world, one is not spared from the reality that women in our society definitely live under the upper hand. We wanted to come in and help change the situation especially for young women like ourselves. Our mission is to create a generation of women empowered to bring change and development in all aspects of society. To make sure women are able to live beyond the status quo that was set for them.

What are some challenges you faced throughout your journey?

The biggest challenges so far have probably been finding organisational funding that will help grow our organisation as a whole and not just fund particular projects. Another thing has been COVID-19, finding a way to deliver our projects and still make an impact has been hard to work around because most of our projects require in person interactions and schools being opened.

What are some resources that have helped you so far?

Volunteers! Having a strong team of dedicated volunteers always ready to give a helping hand during the project delivery process goes a long mile, we would not be able to pull off everything alone. Another thing is the couple of donors that have had faith and trust in us even though we are such a young organisation. They have truly propelled us in the right direction and helped our growth throughout the years.

What advice do you have for your peers?

Shoot your shot in whatever you’re passionate about because you really have nothing to lose. Always put your best foot forward, even on days where you don't feel like, even on days where it feels like it's hard. Stay the course and one day you will be glad you started. Don’t wait for the right moment, make the moment right.

Future Plans or Next Steps for your organization? 

We are trying to grow our organisation internally beyond just our projects. We plan to hopefully build our own vocational skills center and expand the young mothers project.