Two Malawian girls win MOREMI International Initiative Award

Two Blantyre based girls Chikondi Chilera and Marriam Mulonya, have put Malawi on the map by winning a prestigious International Award,  Moremi Initiative Leadership and Empowerment Development.

In an interview, Chilera said the winners represent the true Pan-African leaders at their age.

The Fellows are between the ages of 19 and 25, but are already actively leading change on pertinent issues at all levels- from entrepreneurship, economic justice and women’s health,to political participation, environmental innovations and gender justice.

They are a new generation of African women leaders ready to provide the bold and inspirational leadership needed to lift Africa to its rightful place on the global stage.

“This new cohort of MILEAD Fellows represent Africa’s most promising young women leaders with the courage and commitment to lead and shape the future of Africa. The Fellows were chosen through a highly competitive selection process and criteria based on their outstanding leadership promise, community service accomplishments, and commitment towards advancement of young women,” said Chilera.

Chilera said the award is a sign of recognition shown through hard work, commitment and creativity, the power of individuals to seek the betterment of society and shape the future of Africa in the world.

Representing 24 African countries and the Diaspora, the 2015 Fellows bring highly diverse socio -political backgrounds combined with multi-disciplinary academic and professional experiences and aspirations.

From over 3,020 applications from 44 countries, the newly selected Fellows will become part of the growing MILEAD community of a powerful Pan-African network of change makers- a new generation of young African leaders.

“We acknowledge all the unsuccessful applicants for their transformational work and sacrifices, often under extremely difficult circ umstances. Although only 26 candidates could be selected, we truly admire the courage and commitment of all of these leaders.”

What follows next

According to the selection committee, MILEAD Fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the 2015 MILEAD Leadership Institute- a three-week intensive training program, which will be hosted by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon.

“The Institute will serve as a platform for Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences necessary to occupy and excel in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities.” Reads the statement.

Milead Fellows Program

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a uniquely designed initiative committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of Africa’s most promising young women leaders.

Fellows go through a yearlong training and mentoring program, designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and support women’s leadership on critical issues.

Over the course of the year, the selected Fellows progress through three phases. The first identifies and prepares Fellows through leadership development, networking, mentoring, and training. The second promotes the visibility and accomplishments of Fellows through media coverage and networking.

The third phase supports Fellows through career planning, management, and access to opportunities and resources.

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