Empowering Women in Malawi: A Closer Look at Gender Equality in Education and Entrepreneurship

Breaking the cycle: The Sparkle Foundation's 'women's group' and continued efforts to uplift women through equal opportunity to education and encouraging women-led entrepreneurship

In Malawi, a stark reality unfolds: only 27% of girls are enrolled in an education system, and a staggering 5% actually attend. These numbers shadow the aspirations and goals of young women as they face the challenges of gender inequality that continue to persist in different ways, in different areas in the region. Without education, women's intellect fails to be liberated as they are tied to their domestic responsibilities starting at a young age - this is true not just in areas of Malawi, but across communities worldwide where barriers to education based on gender exist. In efforts to combat this deeply entrenched issue, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provides a ray of hope through their 4th goal: to provide Quality Education. With this Global Goal, the aim is that equitable and inclusive education that promotes lifelong learning opportunities is made a reality for all - girls and boys, in all communities. This goal is a categoric reminder of the transformative effects of education, to lift women and propel communities, and the world, towards greater equality. 


Hon. Agnes Nyalonje, the Minister of Education for Malawi expressed her concern for women’s education in a recent interview conducted by Dr. Hanan Khalifa for the University of Cambridge. The Minister expressed the need for positive role models within any education system, to help provide girls and boys with a compass in life. She believes that role models serve a key role in helping school-aged girls develop their self-confidence and encourage personal development. Hon. Nyalonje emphasises that not only is there a need for leaders, but that educational institutions should be stimulating environments which aim to provide the space and resources for students to flourish. 


At The Sparkle Foundation, Hon. Nyalonje’s vision has been sprung to life. Based on a belief in the power of education, Sparkle Malawi has successfully integrated their education programme into two facilities in Zomba, Malawi - the Sparkle main (and first) site, and the Mulunguzi Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in which programmes are delivered in partnership with the Passion Centre for Children. Both sites are run by our Sparkle team of impeccable educationists and leaders, whose focus has been, since the start, on fostering a flourishing environment for the youth in surrounding villages. Not only does Sparkle Malawi inspire young minds, but its mission drives the team's efforts to empower women - in the communities surrounding our sites, and ultimately, across Malawi. With our established 'women's group', we have provided a safe space for women to connect, learn, and engage in educational and recreational activities - our goal is to foster a sense of unity within the community and equip women with the knowledge, tools, and resources to uplift themselves. 


As part of this larger goal to empower women and encourage self-sustainability, The Sparkle Foundation has also created a Village Savings and Loan (VSL) initiative, in which 75 women from Sparkle's women's group are active members. The principle of the VSL initiative is this: to provide a platform in which the members of the group are able to learn about collective savings, and the ways in which members can make small loans to support each other's business ventures and livelihoods. At Sparkle, the VSL initiative is comprised of three groups, each of which is made up of 25 women. Falling under our Community Support pillar, the aim of the VSL project is to demonstrate the ways in which women can shift away from traditional domestic roles, and support their own families' needs.


Through the encouragement of the VSL project, some of the members have ventured into business ownership, enabling them to enhance their own and their families' economic status.


We'll end this article on a community spotlight, a little story about one of the participating members: Takondwa*, a women in her late 50s/ early 60s who, in partnership with her husband, invested in a commercial farming project to grow and sell cabbage in her local community. Our Community Officer, Frances, and Communications Officer, Chim, described the parents' challenges to support their family through their respective efforts to earn money through laundry-washing, bricklaying, and carpentry piece-work. Furthermore, they describe their relentless "desire to provide a better future for their two children". With the support of the VSL project, as well as the couple's small earnings from their piece-work, Takondwa was able to fund both her household purchases, as well as begin their farming project as an additional and consistent source of income. Today, Takondwa and her husband have successfully farmed over half an acre of cabbage, and have dug a four and a half meter well to ensure her crops have a more reliable water source.


An empowering environment that encourages one to believe in their projects, and the resources to take them on - that is what Sparkle Malawi aims to do, through equal access to education for girls and boys, and upskilling opportunities for adult women in the 17 villages surrounding it.


*For safeguarding purposes, all names referring to children or community members attending Sparkle Malawi are changed to protect individuals' anonymity.

Why the Youth Matter: Investing in Malawi's Future Today

By chimwemwe gawa • August 7, 2025
In Malawi, the heartbeat of the nation is undeniably young. With over 70% of the population under the age of 30, and nearly half under 18, we’re one of the youngest countries in the world. That’s both an incredible opportunity and a serious challenge. Without the right support, this “youth bulge” could become a burden. But with the right investment, it could drive Malawi forward in ways we can only begin to imagine. Behind the Numbers On paper, this youthful population sounds like an economic dream. But the reality? Many young people in Malawi are struggling. Youth unemployment is high, with estimates suggesting that over a quarter of those aged 15 to 24 are out of work. Even more are trapped in the informal sector, with few prospects for advancement or stability. These statistics aren’t just numbers. They’re young lives full of potential that’s going unnoticed, untapped, and unfulfilled. That’s a loss not just for them, but for all of us.

What a Child Really Gains from Early Childhood Education

By chimwemwe gawa • July 25, 2025
The early years of a child’s life are incredibly important. It’s during this time that their brain is growing quickly, and they’re beginning to understand how the world works. That’s why early childhood education, or ECD, is so valuable. It’s not just about learning numbers and letters – it’s about building the foundation for everything that comes after. At Sparkle ECD Centre, we see the difference every single day. We see how children grow in confidence, how they start to think for themselves, and how they develop the skills they need to succeed later in life. But we also know what happens when children miss out – and what that means not only for them, but for the country as a whole. They learn how to live with others One of the most important things children gain in ECD is social development. It’s the first time many of them are around other children for long periods, and they begin to learn how to share, take turns and communicate their feelings. These early social skills help them later on – in school, in work, and in everyday life. When children don’t have access to early education, they often struggle with these things. They might find it hard to settle into primary school, make friends, or follow simple rules and routines. They develop strong thinking and communication skills ECD gives children the chance to explore and ask questions. Whether it’s through puzzles, storytelling or imaginative play, they’re constantly learning how to solve problems, remember details and express their thoughts. These early learning experiences are essential for developing language, creativity and curiosity. If a child misses out on this stage, they may arrive at school already behind. They might struggle with reading, writing or understanding instructions – and it can be very difficult to catch up. They start to believe in themselves At Sparkle, we love seeing children take part in career days where they dress up as doctors, builders, teachers or whatever they dream of being. These activities might seem simple, but they give children something powerful – the belief that they can do and be something great. Children who go through ECD are more likely to stay in school, finish their education, and go on to lead fulfilling lives. They become more confident, more curious and more resilient. Without that early encouragement, many children never get the chance to dream big. They get a fairer start in life Unfortunately, not every child in Malawi has access to quality early education. Many miss out on a safe space to play, learn and be looked after. They don’t get the early support that could help them grow – emotionally, socially and academically. At Sparkle, we work with children from 17 villages around Zomba, offering them a chance to start strong. We believe that early education shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a right. Why this matters for the country When a child gets a strong start, they carry that confidence and knowledge with them. They’re more likely to do well at school, get decent jobs, and support their families. They become active, engaged members of society. But if large numbers of children are left behind at the very beginning, the whole country feels it. It affects education levels, employment, and the economy. It widens the gap between those who have access and those who don’t. Investing in early childhood education isn’t just about helping one child – it’s about building a stronger, fairer Malawi. Final thoughts Early childhood education gives children the building blocks for life. It helps them grow into kind, confident and capable people. Without it, they miss out on crucial experiences – and that missed potential affects all of us. Let’s make sure every child has the chance to start well. Let’s invest in the early years – for their future, and for the future of our nation.

Strengthening the Parent-Teacher Partnership: Strategies for Empowering Parents in Their Child’s Education

By chimwemwe gawa • July 11, 2025
A child’s academic journey is not just shaped by teachers and schools, it thrives when parents play an active role and the role of parents extends far beyond supporting homework and attending parent-teacher conferences. Research highlights that students perform better when their families are engaged in their education. But how can we empower parents to become effective partners in this process? By providing the right tools, fostering collaboration, and creating an inclusive environment, parents can contribute significantly to their child’s success. Let's explore some of the practical strategies that educators, schools, and communities can use to strengthen the parent-school partnership. These approaches not only enhance student achievement but also build a support system that benefits everyone involved. Provide Clear and Consistent Communication Establish open and regular communication channels between schools and parents. This includes newsletters, emails, phone calls, and even social media updates. Keeping parents informed about their child’s progress, school events, and initiatives encourages active participation. Teachers should be encouraged to provide both positive feedback and constructive insights, ensuring parents feel involved and know how to support their child’s academic journey. Offer Parent Education and Training Host workshops and training sessions to help parents better understand the curriculum, teaching methods, and educational standards. This can make parents feel more confident in assisting with homework or understanding school policies. Workshops could also address topics like managing screen time, promoting good study habits, or addressing mental health challenges children may face. As related to Lev Vygotsky theory which highlights the role of parents in providing scaffolding and support children’s learning and cognitive development.