Thelma Kaliu is a young feminist and an active member of the Young Feminist Network of Malawi. She is currently the Project Coordinator of the Spotlight Initiative project under Plan International, Malawi. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Thelma attended the launch of the Malawi Chapter of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and was excited about the growth of a movement that was enthusiastically embracing young African women. Supported by the Spotlight Initiative, the AWLN network comprises over 500 African women across generations and sectors.
COVID-19 related movement restrictions and funding reductions have hampered women's rights organizations at the exact time they are most needed. AWLN and other such organizations act as essential service providers and advocates, and must be immediately strengthened to pave the way for a more equal post-COVID future.
...