Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
How Ulalo Is Changing Lives
Women from the community helping to serve meals to learners
Today, as the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Give to Gain,” the focus is on the power of investing in women and girls to create a better future for everyone. The theme highlights a simple truth: when communities give women and girls the resources, opportunities, and support they need, the entire society gains.
Across many communities in Malawi, women and girls continue to face barriers that limit their ability to reach their full potential. Challenges such as poverty, limited access to education, early marriage, and lack of essential health resources often disrupt the dreams of young girls and restrict opportunities for women. Yet through the work of Ulalo, many of these stories are beginning to change.
Initiatives aimed to improve the lives of Women and Girls
Ulalo has been implementing a range of initiatives that directly support the empowerment of women and girls across education, health, and economic development. These programs focus not only on addressing immediate needs but also on creating long-term opportunities that allow women and girls to thrive within their communities.
One of the organization’s key initiatives is the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Program, which provides reusable sanitary pad kits and education on menstrual health to girls in rural schools. For many girls, menstruation has long been a barrier to consistent school attendance due to stigma, lack of sanitary products, and limited access to proper sanitation facilities. Through this program, girls are able to manage their periods safely and confidently, allowing them to remain in school and focus on their education.
Our Director of Operations mentoring young girls on menstrual health issues.
Beyond health support, Ulalo is also strengthening women’s economic independence. The organization runs economic empowerment initiatives that provide women with financial literacy training and economic support. Through these programs, women receive foundational financial support that helps them improve their livelihoods, start small businesses, and support their families. As a result, many women are gaining confidence and playing a stronger role in household and community decision-making.
Women are also playing an important role in Ulalo’s Sustainable School Meals Program (SMP), which works closely with communities and mother groups. Through this initiative, women participate in local food production, nutrition programs, and school governance structures. Their involvement not only helps improve children’s nutrition and school attendance but also strengthens their leadership and influence within their communities.
Education remains at the heart of Ulalo’s work. Through initiatives such as Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT), the organization is improving learning outcomes for primary school children by introducing digital learning tools and supporting teachers with better teaching resources. While these programs serve all learners, they play a crucial role in ensuring that girls have greater access to quality education and learning opportunities.
Innovation and technology helping young girls build literacy and numeracy skills.
The impact of these initiatives is already visible in many communities. Programs like menstrual hygiene management have significantly reduced school absenteeism among girls, allowing them to attend classes consistently and perform better academically. Many girls report feeling more confident and supported once they receive menstrual hygiene materials and mentorship.
Similarly, economic empowerment initiatives have enabled many women to gain financial independence. With new skills and opportunities, women have started small enterprises, improved their household incomes, and strengthened their voices in community decision-making processes.
Challenges Women Face and How Ulalo Addresses Them
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Many girls in Malawi still miss school because of period poverty, social stigma around menstruation, and lack of proper sanitation facilities. Others are forced to drop out due to financial difficulties or cultural expectations that prioritize boys’ education. Women also continue to face limited access to economic opportunities and resources.
Ulalo addresses these challenges through a holistic approach that combines education, health, community development, and economic empowerment. The organization works closely with schools, communities, and government institutions to create sustainable solutions. These efforts include supporting girls’ education through technology and digital learning programs, providing menstrual hygiene support and health education, strengthening school nutrition programs, empowering women economically through financial literacy initiatives, and advocating for policies that promote equitable access to education and services.
Building a Future Without Barriers
Looking ahead, Ulalo envisions a Malawi where every girl and woman has the opportunity to learn, lead, and contribute to her community without barriers. Ulalo plans to continue expanding programs that promote education, digital inclusion, economic empowerment, and health for women and girls. This includes scaling initiatives that improve learning outcomes, supporting girls to stay in school, and creating stronger opportunities for women to participate in entrepreneurship and community leadership.
Ultimately, Ulalo’s long-term vision is to help build thriving, self-reliant communities where young people especially girls and women, have the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve greatness and drive development in Malawi. Because when communities choose to give women and girls the support they deserve, everyone gains.