Malawi first lady named as Global Girls Foundation ambassador
16 February 2025Her Excellency Monica Chakwera, First Lady of Malawi, has been appointed as the newest Ambassador of Plan International’s Global Girls Foundation (GGF).
The announcement will be made at a dedicated event on Sunday, 16th February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, taking place during the 2025 African Union Heads of State and Government Summit, where African leaders and development partners gather to discuss urgent issues affecting girls and young women.
As GGF Ambassador, Monica Chakwera will play a key role in advocating for girls’ rights, education, and leadership across the continent, strengthening efforts to break down systemic barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
“Across Africa and around the world, girls continue to face significant challenges in accessing education, economic opportunities, and protection from harmful practices. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and shape her own future. I am deeply honoured to take on this role as an Ambassador for the Global Girls Foundation,” said Monica Chakwera.
Long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality
Her appointment recognises her long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality, particularly through education and leadership development for girls in Malawi and beyond. This builds on her long-standing partnership with Plan International Malawi, where she has actively supported initiates that create opportunities for girls to realise their rights and take control of their futures.
As an active member of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), she has championed initiatives that enhance access to quality education, healthcare, and economic empowerment opportunities for young women.
In her new role, she will help expand advocacy efforts and ensure gender-responsive policies are prioritised at both national and continental levels.
“The time to act is now,” Chakwera added. “I urge my fellow First Ladies across Africa to stand together in advancing girls’ rights. By investing in education, skills training, and leadership development, we are shaping a generation that will drive Africa’s progress.”
Supporting girls to shape their own futures
GGF is an independent philanthropic foundation that supports efforts to advance girls’ rights globally. Created by Plan International to support its mission, it brings together global experts and changemakers to create practical solutions that remove barriers—such as gender discrimination and limited opportunities—so girls can shape their own futures.
Plan International welcomes this appointment and the renewed focus on girls’ leadership. Now more than ever, strong partnerships with committed leaders are essential to accelerating progress and ensuring girls have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
“Girls have the right to be heard and to lead change in their communities,” said Lea Bachmann, Managing Director and Co-Head at Global Girls Foundation. “Her Excellency Monica Chakwera’s leadership will help to advance the fight for gender equality, ensuring girls are at the centre of decision-making processes that shape their futures.”
The Global Girls Foundation, in collaboration with Plan International and other partners, will work to amplify the voices of girls and young women, ensuring their lived experiences inform policies that create real change.
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