Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund Empowers Malawian Women in Peacebuilding Efforts

Strategic Insights -

In rural Malawi, a quiet revolution is taking place as women step into roles traditionally reserved for men as mediators, advocates, and leaders in peacebuilding. Supported by the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) through UN Women, women's movements are transforming communities and challenging long-held norms. Trained in mediation and advocacy, these women have become central figures in resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • In Nsanje's Mbenje area, women's movements like Chisomo, Yankho, and Tadala have rewritten the narrative by becoming central figures in resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful elections.
  • During the 2025 primary elections, Tadala Women Movement convened a peace dialogue with representatives from six political parties, averting violence and giving women a platform to advocate for their rights.
  • In Machinga, women peacebuilders trained by Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) resolved a religious feud between two brothers, restored harmony, and turned the chief into a vocal supporter of women's leadership.
  • Over 896 women and girls have been empowered, with 11 now holding formal leadership roles, and have resolved 42 conflicts, ranging from land disputes to child marriage cases.
  • The Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) has supported and enhanced the capacity of local women-led organizations to prevent conflict, end sexual and gender-based violence, respond to crises, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities in Malawi.
  • Brenda Charly, a Peace Circle Facilitator in Machinga, has seen her income increase from selling tomatoes and red maize, enabling her to pay her children's school fees.
  • Ednah Zuze, a trained facilitator from Mizinga in Machinga, has helped mediate dozens of disputes, promoting the inclusive approach and shifting perceptions about women's roles in conflict resolution.
  • As of March 2025, Ednah and her group have reached and assisted 609 women, 200 men, and 91 young people, and have become a vital support system in their communities.
  • 36-year-old Lezita Mukhiwa is breaking barriers as a councilor aspirant, advocating for youth empowerment and challenging political exclusion.

Statistics:

  • 17 Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with local chiefs, ensuring women's inclusion in decision-making and conflict resolution.
  • Since December 2024, women in Machinga and Phalombe have resolved 42 conflicts, ranging from land disputes to child marriage cases.
  • 896 women and girls have been empowered, with 11 now holding formal leadership roles.
  • 609 women, 200 men, and 91 young people have been reached and assisted by Ednah and her group.
  • 42 conflicts have been resolved by women in Machinga and Phalombe.

Sources:

  • UN Women
  • Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)
  • Youth Coalition for the Consolidation of Democracy (YCD)
  • Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO)
  • APO Group
  • UN Women - Africa