Young Women Rise - Yowori

28/08/2026

The Young Women Rise (YOWORI), a local NGO working in the areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, Gender-Based Violence, support for vulnerable children and vocational skills development, says a lack of formal jobs is forcing many youths in Balaka into risky informal jobs.

YOWORI Executive Director, Milliam Chilemba told Zodiak Online that the idle young population is pushed into drinking, smoking, promiscuous behaviors and other harmful social norms.

"Yesterday, we introduced our organisation to the District Executive Committee and will implement the interventions, starting with 300 youths in Traditional Authority Nsamala, some aged between 10 and 24, while vocational skills training beneficiaries will be between 16 and 25 years old and comprise out-of-school youths," said Chilemba.

District Rehabilitation Officer for Malawi Council of Disability Affairs (MACODA) in Balaka Felix Malikita believes the interventions if successfully implemented, will transform lives of youths including those with disabilities in the district.

YOWORI is implementing the interventions with support from Little Dress for Africa and Tools With A Mission ( TWAM)

(by Hastings Jimani-Balaka:08/28/26)

20/08/2026

🇲🇼⚽ HEADS HIGH, SCORCHERS! ❤️🔥

Congratulations to our Malawi Scorchers for making history and reaching the WAFCON final! 🏆🇲🇼

Although the final did not go our way, you have already given Malawi something to celebrate — your historic first-ever WAFCON qualification and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup! 🌍🏆

Your journey is a powerful reminder that when women are empowered, supported and given opportunities, they can break barriers and make history. 💪🏾✨

To every young girl in Malawi watching the Scorchers: dream big, believe in yourself and keep rising. Your dreams are valid, and your possibilities are limitless. ❤️

Young Women Rise celebrates you, Scorchers! 🇲🇼👏🏾

EMPOWERED WOMEN. BOLD DREAMS. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES.

20/08/2026

From Cooking Oil to Peanut Butter: Listening to Women, Responding to Their Needs

During a monitoring visit under the YES WE CAN Project, implemented by Young Women Rise in partnership with Women First International Fund, members of a women’s group shared a challenge they were facing. The cooking oil processing machine they had previously received was not generating the profits they expected.

Instead of simply taking note of their concerns, Young Women Rise listened and responded. The women requested a peanut butter-making machine as an alternative income-generating opportunity, and the organisation agreed to their request and provided them with the machine.

Speaking during the handover, Teleza Manuel, Chairperson of the group, thanked Young Women Rise for listening to their concerns and responding to their needs.

“We are very thankful to Young Women Rise for hearing our cry. The coming of this machine will help us improve our business and meet the basic needs of our households.”

The peanut butter-making machine is expected to help the women increase their income, strengthen their business and improve their ability to meet the basic needs of their families.

This is more than just a machine. It is a reflection of what can happen when women’s voices are heard, valued and acted upon.

Through the YES WE CAN Project, Young Women Rise, in partnership with Women First International Fund, continues to support women in Chiradzulu District with opportunities that promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

When women speak, we listen. When women lead, communities grow. 🌱💪🏽

03/08/2026

Welcoming representatives from Women First International Fund for a meaningful visit to connect, learn, and celebrate our shared impact.

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

Empowering Communities Through Bee Farming!
The Chiradzulu District Council, in partnership with Young Women Rise (YOWORI), successfully conducted a two-day Bee Farming Training in M***a Village, equipping community members with practical skills to improve livelihoods while promoting environmental conservation.

Felix Tito, Environmental District Officer for Chiradzulu District, trained participants on the different bee species, their behaviour, and the importance of understanding bees for safe hive management and increased honey production.

Chikumbutso Maya, Assistant Forestry Officer for Chiradzulu District, led practical sessions on attracting bees into hives, proper hive installation, and safe honey harvesting techniques using the right protective equipment and tools.

Patrick Mulinga, from the Disaster Risk Management Office at the Chiradzulu District Council, encouraged participants to embrace bee farming as a pathway to economic transformation and strengthen household resilience through diversified livelihoods.

Representing Young Women Rise (YOWORI), Pilirani Piyo reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting sustainable livelihood initiatives, encouraging participants to make full use of the knowledge, beehives, and equipment provided to improve their lives.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Village Head M***a expressed gratitude to the Chiradzulu District Council and Young Women Rise (YOWORI) for the training and beekeeping equipment, pledging the community's commitment to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the initiative.

Together, we are creating opportunities for sustainable incomes, environmental conservation, and resilient communities.

31/07/2026

Today, Young Women Rise proudly participated in the Day of the African Child commemorations held at St. Teresa Primary School in Chiradzulu District. The event was organized by the Chiradzulu District Council under the theme:

"Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Malawi."

The commemorations brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, schools, and community members to reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of every child.

At the Young Women Rise pavilion, we showcased some of our key interventions that are transforming the lives of women, girls, and children, including:

Promoting menstrual health and hygiene through the distribution of reusable sanitary pads and the construction of girl-friendly washroom facilities in schools.

Supporting access to justice through our Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Support Complaint Desk, as well as supporting GBV survivors during court processes.

Restoring dignity to vulnerable children through the distribution of new clothing in partnership with Little Dresses for Africa.

As we commemorate the Day of the African Child, we are reminded that every child deserves access to clean water, safe sanitation, good hygiene, quality education, protection, and equal opportunities to thrive.

Young Women Rise remains committed to working alongside the Chiradzulu District Council, communities, and development partners to create a future where every child grows up in a safe, healthy, and empowering environment.

30/07/2026

Celebrating the Graduation of Our First Cohort of Youth Peers!

Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of our first cohort of Youth Peers under the Youth Leadership Program, a significant milestone in our journey of empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to transform their lives and communities.

In this first cohort, Young Women Rise (YOWORI) successfully trained 443 Youth Peers, comprising 374 females and 69 males. We are also proud to have promoted inclusivity by reaching 18 young people with disabilities, including 15 females and 3 males.

Throughout the program, the Youth Peers gained valuable skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial literacy, and personal development. They are now equipped to seize opportunities, start and grow businesses, make informed decisions, and become champions of positive change within their communities.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates for their dedication and commitment. We also thank our Youth Leaders, community stakeholders, parents, and partners whose support made this achievement possible.

The Going Beyond Project is implemented by Young Women Rise (YOWORI) in partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT).

Congratulations to all our graduates! Your journey is just beginning, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact you will make in your communities.

YouthPeersGraduation YouthLeadershipProgram

30/07/2026

Celebrating the Graduation of Our First Cohort of Youth Peers!

Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of our first cohort of Youth Peers under the Youth Leadership Program, a significant milestone in our journey of empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to transform their lives and communities.

In this first cohort, Young Women Rise (YOWORI) successfully trained 443 Youth Peers, comprising 374 females and 69 males. We are also proud to have promoted inclusivity by reaching 18 young people with disabilities, including 15 females and 3 males.

Throughout the program, the Youth Peers gained valuable skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial literacy, and personal development. They are now equipped to seize opportunities, start and grow businesses, make informed decisions, and become champions of positive change within their communities.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates for their dedication and commitment. We also thank our Youth Leaders, community stakeholders, parents, and partners whose support made this achievement possible.

The Going Beyond Project is implemented by Young Women Rise (YOWORI) in partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) and the Mastercard Foundation through the Going Beyond Project.

Congratulations to all our graduates! Your journey is just beginning, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact you will make in your communities.

23/07/2026

We are proud to share that our Programs Manager, Linnes Chamadenga, is representing Young Women Rise (YOWORI) at the Segal Connect 2026 – The Next Beat in Nairobi, Kenya.

This inspiring gathering brings together organisation leaders, funders, social innovators, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond to strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas, and shape the future of locally led development.

As a proud partner of the Segal Family Foundation, we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of these important conversations on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable impact. We believe the knowledge, networks, and partnerships built at this summit will further strengthen our mission of empowering women, girls, and young people to create lasting change in their communities.

Together, we are building a future where communities lead the solutions that transform lives.