Empowering Young Women for a Brighter Tomorrow

The YWCA is a Christian Organization dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls in order to achieve and maintain a progressive community. We are committed to raising awareness among women and the public on social injustices against women; right to education for the girl child, respect for women’s rights and access to health services and promote women’s participation in politics and society as a whole. 

WHO ARE WE

About the Organization

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) is a Christian organization dedicated to the empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). YWCA is committed to uplifting the quality of life of AGYW; to appraise their needs and deal with their issues in order for them to become aware of their rights and privileges and to improve their capacity. The organization achieves positive change by providing advocacy, programs and services for women, families and communities. Key thematic areas include Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR); economic empowerment; ending child marriages; active citizenship, leadership and governance; education and Early Childhood Development (ECD).

MISSION

Our Mission Statement

To empower Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Malawi by enhancing their capacity for self-development, advocating for their rights, and providing comprehensive programs and services that foster health, education, and economic independence. Our mission is to uplift the quality of life of AGYW through targeted interventions that ensure their active participation in decision-making processes and their ability to access vital services.

OUR VISION

Our Vision Statement

To empower Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Malawi by enhancing their capacity for self-development, advocating for their rights, and providing comprehensive programs and services that foster health, education, and economic independence. Our mission is to uplift the quality of life of AGYW through targeted interventions that ensure their active participation in decision-making processes and their ability to access vital services.

OUR TEAM

Meet Our Team

  • Nettie

    Nettie Dzabala

    Executive Director

    Nettie Dzabala, a pharmacist by profession, stepped into the role of Executive Director, initially working from her dining room table without remuneration. At the time, she was also a Pharmacology lecturer at the College of Medicine. Under her leadership, with support from young doctors and the World YWCA, the association has grown, providing essential support to vulnerable communities and making a significant impact.

  • Mrs. Molly

    Mrs. Molly Dzabala

    The Founder

    Mrs. Molly Dzabala, after years of working with the YWCA in Zambia and witnessing the global impact of YWCAs, decided to establish YWCA Malawi in 1998. Despite the challenges of finding volunteers and donations in one of the world's poorest countries, she succeeded with the support of friends and relatives, creating a foundation for the organization's growth and community transformation.

  • Grace

    Grace Majawa

    District Coordinator

    Grace Majawa joined the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in 2017 as District Coordinator for Blantyre. She holds a diploma in Early Childhood and Nutrition from the University of Malawi. In her role, Grace oversees programs focused on early childhood development and nutritional health, ensuring these initiatives positively impact the lives of young women and children in the community.

  • Caroline

    Caroline Chidandale

    Project Coordinator in Early Childhood Education

    Caroline Chidandale is a researcher with six years of expertise in Early Childhood Development (ECD). She specializes in designing evidence-based activities, conducting developmental assessments, and identifying delays in young children. Caroline has played a pivotal role in establishing Community-Based Childcare Centers (CBCCs) to support early learning. With strong skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and research, she is dedicated to implementing interventions that improve the lives of children and foster lasting change in their communities.

  • Vitumbiko

    Vitumbiko Mkinga

    Deputy Project Officer

    Vitumbiko is a dedicated Social Worker with a Bachelor's in Social Work from Catholic University of Malawi and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Development Studies at the University of Malawi. With over 8 years of experience, she has worked on community-based programs in Health, Nutrition, Livelihood, Governance, Gender-Based Violence, and Child Protection. Vitumbiko is also a certified Social Work Practice Educator and Early Childhood Development Supervisor in Malawi, committed to empowering marginalized groups, promoting social justice, and fostering professional growth.

OUR REACH

Our Impact & Reach

Geographical Focus:

At YWCA Malawi, our programs and initiatives extend across the Southern and Eastern regions of Malawi, deeply engaging communities in districts such as Chikwawa, Blantyre, Mulanje, Machinga, and Zomba. Our focused efforts ensure that we address the unique needs of each community, fostering environments where Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) can thrive.

Community Impact:

Each year, we reach hundreds of individuals through our diverse range of programs, positively affecting lives and empowering communities towards sustainable change. In 2023 alone, our efforts impacted over 500 young women and girls, providing them with essential services and education that have led to remarkable improvements in their quality of life.

OUR REACH

Partnerships and Supporters

YWCA has partnered and worked with different organization to meet its goals and objectives & impact the communities it has impacted.