Gender Justice

In Malawi, a beautiful grassroots movement is growing, powered by thousands of bright, capable girls and women. While traditional beliefs, high levels of child marriage, and deep-rooted inequalities have historically made it difficult for women to enter public life, these leaders are not waiting for change, they are creating it.

With your backing Oxfam has joined forces with an incredible, passionate local partner, the Women’s Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC). 

Together, with the vital support of friends like you, this initiative works alongside 62,895 brave women and young people across seven districts to help them break into public leadership, grow their public speaking confidence, and raise their voices.

One of the most inspiring examples of this transformation in action is Honourable Esther Jolobala, a visionary local leader who is proving exactly what happens when a woman stands up to change the story.
 

Honourable Esther Jolobala is the first female Member of Parliament to ever represent Machinga East, and she is rewriting the narrative for women in Malawi. 

When she initially told her family that she wanted to run for office, her decision was met with scepticism. Esther remembers, “they believed that politics can be only done by retired people or well-to-do families,” or exclusively by men.

Partnering with Oxfam provided her with the necessary additional resource and knowledge to transform her constituency. She says, “We need more women in Parliament because we are 52% of the population”.

Your support today can help to fund vital leadership training so women can stand up with confidence, influence regulations, and lead in political spaces. If you can, please donate now. Thank you.