In a significant step toward closing the gender gap in technology, Malawi has launched the TechGirl Mentorship Program under the Women and Girls for Technology initiative. The program has enrolled 50 secondary school girls in its latest term, equipping them with essential digital literacy, cybersecurity skills, and career mentorship. This initiative represents a major effort to inspire young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), fields in which women remain underrepresented across Africa.
The program began this term at a local school, with plans underway to expand to an additional location, enabling greater participation and wider community impact. Organizers emphasize that the goal is not only to teach technical skills but also to build confidence and curiosity among girls who might otherwise lack access to digital education. This expansion will create more opportunities for young women to develop the technical and professional skills needed for the future digital economy.
According to Chisomo Kharis Mtonga, founder of Women and Girls for Technology, the journey begins with a career talk at each school to ignite interest and identify motivated learners. Girls who demonstrate genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn are then selected for the program. Mtonga noted that these learners often become advocates within their communities, spreading awareness and sharing knowledge, thereby multiplying the program’s overall impact.
The initiative includes practical ICT sessions, mentorship from female professionals across diverse industries, and tailored career guidance workshops. Through this holistic approach, participants learn how technology integrates with business, finance, healthcare, and entrepreneurship—helping them understand the vast potential of digital skills beyond the classroom.
This term’s training placed strong emphasis on cybersecurity, an increasingly vital area in today’s digital world. Participants were introduced to real-world topics such as phishing, hacking, online scams, and data privacy. Trainers highlighted the importance of safeguarding personal information, creating strong passwords, and fostering responsible online behavior. By empowering girls with both technical knowledge and digital ethics, the TechGirl Mentorship Program is nurturing a generation of confident, security-aware young women ready to shape the digital future of Malawi.
