FAWEMA Pays Courtesy Call to Ministry of Labour

The Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA), one of the country’s leading Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) advocating for girls’ and women’s education rights, continues to thrive through strong collaboration with key line ministries, including the Ministries of Education, Gender, Labour, Youth and Health.

In line with this spirit of partnership, the advocacy-based think tank paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Labour on Wednesday last week. The visit aimed to formally appraise the newly appointed Secretary for Labour, Skills and Innovation Madam Nwazi Mnthambala, on the various programs FAWEMA is currently implementing across the country.

Speaking during the meeting, FAWEMA’s Executive Director, Mr. Wesley Chabwera, briefed the Principal Secretary on the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Project, which seeks to improve access to Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) for marginalized youth—particularly girls—through the provision of bursaries to pursue STEM-related programs at national technical colleges in Malawi.

Mr. Chabwera explained that since the project’s inception in Malawi in 2024, 349 students had been recruited into the program across two cohorts. He noted that the first cohort was currently undertaking industrial attachments.

“There is one more recruitment planned toward the end of the year, during which we will enroll 200 additional students to meet the TEVET target of 600 participants,” said Mr. Chabwera.

He further highlighted how the project aligns with Malawi’s Agenda 2063, particularly the pillar on skills development, emphasizing FAWEMA’s commitment to complementing government efforts in building a skilled and inclusive workforce.

In her remarks, Secretary for Labour, Skills and Innovation, Madam Mnthambala commended FAWEMA and the Mastercard Foundation for their continued support in providing TEVET skills to vulnerable youth, especially girls who often face significant barriers to accessing education and training opportunities.

“I am satisfied with the progress of implementation and urge FAWEMA to consider increasing the number of participants enrolled in technical colleges,” she said

The Executive Director was accompanied by FAWEMA Programs Manager, Mrs. Mphatso Kapalamula and Finance and Administration Manager, Mrs. Rhoda Mhlanga.