I'm Linda Phiri, a young woman from Malawi striving to make a difference through my grassroots organisation, Girl Power for Change. Recently, I embarked on a journey that not only marked my first solo trip outside Malawi but also transformed the way I approach my work as an activist. I want to share this incredible experience, which started when I received an invitation from Y+ Global and the UNITED! Movement to attend the International Workshop on Adolescence, SRHR, & HIV in Nairobi, Kenya. It felt like a dream come true at that moment, and I couldn’t wait.
As the workshop day approached, the UNITED! Movement team brushed me up on what to expect. I was particularly excited to join a panel discussion that addressed the challenges of intersectionality in implementing youth-focused programs in Malawi. This opportunity meant so much to me; representing girls and young women who face daily struggles yet often lack a platform to voice their concerns was a responsibility I was eager to embrace.
The workshop itself was very informative and educational. I attended presentations that explored the pressing issues affecting adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) across Sub-Saharan Africa. One message came through loud and clear: despite various interventions aimed at supporting young women living with HIV, many still do not have adequate access to essential health services. This session highlighted the pressing need for sustained collaboration across the region to fully support AGYW. Witnessing other survivors advocating for vulnerable girls invigorated my passion and commitment to support AGYW.
One of the most impactful parts of the conference was showcasing the work of Girl Power for Change. Thanks to the generous support from UNAIDS and the UNITED! Movement, we secured a booth where we displayed reusable sanitary pads, school uniforms, and other essential items produced and distributed to girls in need. This was not just a booth for us; it was a chance to inform, educate, and empower people—and, in turn, put us on the map and let people know why we exist.
I clearly remember an exceptional young woman from Zambia who approached me to express her interest in partnering with us to produce 10,000 reusable sanitary pads. I was genuinely impressed and thought to myself, "Wow, this is fantastic; this is something new." The conference provided me with an opportunity to network effectively, allowing me to look beyond partnerships limited to my country and connect with groups working on similar projects.
I also made valuable connections throughout the event, including one with the Centre for Child Care and Human Development (C3HD) in Nigeria. By the end of the workshop, I had established 20 connections with peers from various countries—Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Burundi, Botswana, India, and South Africa. I am walking away from this experience with hopes and possibilities for cross-country collaboration - to new ideas and shared goals.
On the final day of the conference, I had the honour of sharing my story with the UNICEF team. This interview provided a platform to discuss my journey in founding Girl Power for Change and our growing impact on adolescent girls and young women in Malawi. Standing there, I felt a surge of hope and determination, but more so, I felt proud of myself and the work I do. I had a voice; I raised my voice.
This experience reinforced my belief in the critical importance of youth-focused and youth-centric workshops. My presence there meant that partnerships flourished, connections were formed, and lasting friendships were created. The efforts of the UNITED! Movement in uniting us all shows their commitment to supporting young advocates like me so that they can meaningfully engage in these spaces and make positive changes with the HIV and SRHR responses.
Reflecting on this workshop, I feel more motivated than ever to create a brighter future for girls everywhere. My dream of making a difference across borders is becoming a reality. I am energised to continue advocating for girls to stay in school, protect themselves from abuse, and become agents of change in their communities.