International Women’s Day: Why Girls’ Education Matters in Malawi

The girls of Njenga Primary School

Today, Think Malawi is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day that recognises the achievements of women while also highlighting their ongoing struggles across the world. 

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day has its roots in early twentieth-century women’s rights movements. First celebrated in 1911, it later became a global event supported by the United Nations with official recognition in 1977.

Empowering women is not just about fairness; it is also essential for development. When women have access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, entire communities benefit. 

Today is both a celebration and a call to action, a reminder for communities, governments and organisation that empowering women benefits everyone.

The Reality for Women in Malawi

In Malawi, many young women face barriers that affect their ability to fully participate in education. Being one of the poorest countries in the World women’s struggles are often forgotten among the issues that plague Malawi. The best way to help women in Malawi is education. Education is crucial in helping people improve the quality of their lives with a better education leading to a better future. One of the key challenges for women’s education is menstrual hygiene management. 

Without access to sanitary products or private facilities at schools, many girls miss classes during their periods. In some cases, they can miss up to five days of school each month, which over time can have significant effects on their education. 

When girls miss school regularly, they are more likely to fall behind in their studies or leave education altogether. This has a long-term impact on their future opportunities and for the development of their communities. 

Supporting Women In Malawi: The Role of Think Malawi

Think Malawi is dedicated to supporting a wide range of educational projects in Malawi such as our Her Education Matters programme, which aims to keep girls in school when they have their periods by providing reusable sanitary pads and changing rooms at school. 

Recently, in September 2025, we launched a month-long fundraiser as part of Her Education Matters Njenga for Njenga Primary and Secondary school. With the support of our generous donors, we raised £4,050 with a £4,000 target. 

The Her Education Matters Njenga project is benefiting the 500 girls enrolled at the school. Drawing on previous successful projects, it will reduce the absenteeism by 60% and improve educational outcomes. 

Currently, among other projects, Think Malawi is working with Masongola Secondary School Alumni Association to improve the educational experience for the 489 young girls at Masongola Secondary School in Malawi’s Southern Region of Zomba. 

The provision of 2 sewing machines and a six-month training course, the local community will be able to provide MHM products, such as reusable pads and school uniforms. Once training complaints, the knowledge can be passed on to the students.

The project also aims to establish girl-led clubs and mentorship sessions focusing on sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) and menstrual health, supported by local health facilities. The girl students will be well informed and benefit from a supportive environment to manage their menstrual health needs.

Within 12 months, the project aims to reduce school dropouts and child marriages by over 70%, significantly reduce class absenteeism due to menstruation, ensure 80% of girls have consistent access to MHM services and significantly decrease unintended pregnancies through improved sexual education and menstrual hygiene management information. 

Think Malawi is proud to join in the celebration of International Women’s Day and to continue our support for young women and girls in education in Malawi.

With your help we will be able to support more projects and benefit more girls in Malawi.

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Today, it would be great if you donate to celebrate International Women’s Day. Any donation, big or small, would be incredibly helpful and very gratefully received!