Across Malawi, Plan’s programs are transforming the lives of young people. By working together with communities, girls can stay in school and access quality education, unlocking opportunities for them to go to college or get the jobs they want to achieve success.
To increase opportunities for their futures, girls took over business and government roles on International Day of the Girl to shine light on the importance of girls’ education and leadership opportunities. Fittingly called Takeovers at Plan, this signature initiative is more than just a symbolic gesture; it’s a powerful catalyst for change, empowering girls to challenge gender norms, fuel their ambitions and take charge of their lives.
Girls take over the World Bank
At the World Bank, 15-year-old Peace, 14-year-old Chifuniro and 14-year-old Beatrice took over the country manager’s office, participating in meetings, learning about team management and sharing their perspectives on supporting special needs and inclusivity in the classroom.
Peace sits at the desk of the World Bank country manager in Malawi, learning about the role’s daily tasks, like answering emails and reporting to other managers. | ©Plan International Malawi
During the day, the girls joined the education team in a meeting to discuss education programs across the country. There, they advocated for girls with disabilities to receive more support so they can access quality education and opportunities to succeed after graduating.
“It was great to meet [Peace] and hear about her dreams as a young Malawian,” Firas Raad, World Bank country manager for Malawi, says. “The key highlights were engaging the education team, and Peace really taking over in chairing the meeting and listening to our education experts talk about different education programs in the country.”
Peace, Chifuniro and Beatrice sat with the education team on a briefing about Malawi’s Education Reform Program. | ©Plan International Malawi
Through mentorship, role modeling and exposure to diverse opportunities, girls are developing the confidence and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. With private sector engagement from businesses like the World Bank, Plan leverages community resources to ensure girls build support networks so they can achieve their goals.
The girls asked Firas Raad questions about his role and the work that the World Bank does for countries like theirs. | ©Plan International Malawi
“Today I learned that girls can change the world,” Peace says. “Together, we take the lead, turning dreams into action and making our voices heard. This Takeover is just the beginning.”
Becoming university vice chancellors
At Malawi University of Science and Technology, 21-year-old Fanny and 19-year-old Margaret took over as vice chancellors.
Connecting girls and young women like Fanny and Margaret with women in professional careers serves as a source of inspiration and motivation to achieve their dreams. | ©Plan International Malawi
After touring the campus, the two girls met with staff at the university to learn about the university’s commitment to reaching students in under-served communities across Malawi.
When the young women arrived on campus, they were taken on a tour to see all the different academic buildings and learn about some of the university’s programs. | ©Plan International Malawi
At the top of Fanny and Margaret’s list of discussion topics was school fees. They spoke with the university’s vice chancellor, Dr. Marion Chirwa Kajombo. For girls across the country, tuition is a common barrier that prevents them from continuing their education after secondary school. In response, Dr. Chirwa Kajombo assured the girls that the university would increase awareness about scholarships.
“Their energy and fresh perspectives are incredibly inspiring,” Dr. Chirwa Kajombo says. “The insights shared by these young leaders reaffirmed our commitment to expanding our university’s outreach to rural community.”
Fanny took over some of Dr. Chirwa Kajombo’s responsibilities during the Takeover. | ©Plan International Malawi
Takeovers like this are a meaningful way to foster youth leadership and girls’ self-confidence. When girls have allies and mentors in universities, companies and other professional settings, they feel like their dreams and goals are within reach.
“I feel really inspired being the vice chancellor for today because it has really proved to me that it’s really possible for a girl child to be in this office, and as much as we can work hard, all these things are possible,” Fanny says.
Serving as Chief Justice of Malawi for a day
To learn about the judicial system in Malawi, 15-year-old Faith and 16-year-old Christina took over the Chief Justice’s office.
The girls were tasked with leading an appeal’s court session as part of their Takeover. | ©Plan International Malawi
One of the major issues Faith and Christina discussed with the Chief Justice was access to the justice system in rural communities. They proposed an initiative to bring mobile justice clinics to these areas so girls and young women can access legal support.
“Your advocacy for mobile justice clinics is both timely and commendable,” Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda says to the girls. “Ensuring access to justice, particularly for young women and girls in rural communities, aligns with our efforts to promote equality before the law.”
Faith sat at Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda’s desk, overseeing some of the tasks he completes in his role in Malawi’s government. | ©Plan International Malawi
During the Takeover, Faith and Christina also met with women appointed as high court justices. They led a session in the Supreme Court of Appeals, experiencing firsthand how judicial processes lead to laws that shape their futures.
The girls met with women in the judiciary, who briefed them before they led a session in the Supreme Court of Appeals. | ©Plan International Malawi
“Participating in the girl Takeover gave me a voice I never thought I had,” Faith says. “It was empowering to step into a leadership role and make decisions that affect our future.”
