Guest blog post by Malawian student, Patricia Kaunda, who is studying towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies at the Catholic University of Malawi.
Girls in Malawi face numerous challenges in accessing education, from financial constraints to cultural expectations, and I believe raising awareness can help drive meaningful change.
Girl-child education is very important in Malawi because it empowers girls to become independent and make informed decisions about their lives. When a girl is educated, she is more likely to delay marriage, get better job opportunities, and contribute positively to her family and community. Educated girls are also better equipped to raise healthier families and break the cycle of poverty. Education gives girls the voice and confidence to stand up for their rights and become leaders in society.
However, many girls in Malawi still face serious barriers in accessing education. One of the major challenges is forced marriage due to early pregnancy. Many girls come from poor backgrounds and may engage in relationships with older men to get financial support. These men may offer them food, clothes, or money, which leads to early sexual activity and unplanned pregnancies. Once a girl becomes pregnant, she is usually forced to drop out of school and may be married off, ending her education permanently. This cycle continues to trap many girls in poverty and dependence.
Cultural beliefs and traditional gender roles also act as barriers. In some families, girls are expected to stay home and help with household chores, while boys are encouraged to go to school. Some parents believe that investing in a boy’s education is more valuable because he will support the family in the future, while a girl is expected to marry and join another family. These outdated beliefs keep girls behind.
Girls are often in more need than boys when it comes to education support. This is because they face more challenges both at home and in school. At home, they are expected to cook, clean, and care for younger siblings before or after school. At school, they may face harassment, lack of sanitary facilities, or embarrassment during their monthly periods, which leads to absenteeism. Unlike boys, girls often lack a safe and supportive learning environment.
Educating girls in Malawi is a key to national development. We must work together to remove the barriers they face and create equal opportunities for both girls and boys. Every girl deserves the chance to learn, grow, and become the best version of herself.
Patricia writes this about herself:
I grew up in Mzuzu City, which is located in the Northern Region of Malawi. I come from a family of three children and I am the second born. My parents have always placed a strong emphasis on education. They ensured that we had all the resources we needed to succeed academically and consistently encouraged us to work hard. I remember when I was preparing for my MSCE exams, my mother relieved me of all house chores so I could fully concentrate on my studies. Even now, as a university student, my parents continue to support me by ensuring I’m accommodated on campus for my safety and convenience. I attended Multicareer Secondary Schools, where I laid the foundation for my academic journey.