Malawi’s Young Feminist Movement has elected its inaugural Executive Committee, marking a critical step toward institutionalizing youth-led efforts in the fight for gender justice.
Held in Lilongwe on May 10, the election brought together 32 participants, including leaders from 25 civil society organizations, media professionals, UN Women officials, and dignitaries such as the Ambassador of Ireland.
Presiding over the event was Letty Chiwara, UN Women Malawi Representative, who described the occasion as “a powerful testament to the strength, energy, and vision of young feminists in Malawi.”
“This is not just a gathering,” Chiwara said in her keynote. “It’s the beginning of a movement that centers young women’s leadership in Malawi’s development story.”
From Dialogue to Action
The Young Feminist Movement was born out of a December 2024 roundtable discussion and has quickly evolved into a coordinated network amplifying youth voices in the gender equality discourse.
The election of its first Executive Committee signifies a transition from informal activism to structured advocacy, equipped with a roadmap, a governance framework, and a commitment to transparency.
The committee’s mandate includes addressing gender-based violence, discrimination, and exclusion, while advocating for inclusive policies and representation.
According to organizers, the process was not only democratic but also deliberately inclusive, reflecting Malawi’s diverse feminist landscape.
“This is merely the beginning,” said youth representative Bridget Oscar Phiri. “We must collaborate—activists, organizations, and allies—to transform our feminist aspirations into reality.”
Inclusive Vision, Intersectional Agenda
With a firm eye on intersectionality, the committee has pledged to represent marginalized voices, particularly those of rural, disabled, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Their focus will be on advocacy campaigns, capacity-building for young activists, and partnerships with national and international allies.
This momentum is set to be sustained through the creation of an action plan, to be developed collaboratively in the coming months. The plan will outline the movement’s strategic priorities and guide its operational activities.
