ACTIVISM SPOTLIGHT


Linda Phiri is a passionate advocate of SRHR and a champion of girl child education in Malawi. She is a 24-year-old girl born in Dowa District, Malawi. She is the firstborn in a family of four and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Social Studies) at the prestigious University of Malawi (UNIMA).
Linda is the Founder and Executive Director of Girl Power for Change, grassroots, women-led organization. She currently serves as the Youth and AGYW (Adolescent Girls and Young Women) Representative on the Malawi Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism. She is also the Coordinator for the 4th Cohort of the Lead(H)er Fellowship and the Vice President of the University of Malawi Students’ Representative Council (SRC). Linda was named one of the 100 Inspiring Women in Malawi for her unwavering efforts in advocating for girls’ education.
She is also a member of the SAT Youth Hub in Malawi. SAT not only organizes capacity-building sessions but also engages young people in advocating for access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Through SAT, Linda has gained valuable professional and leadership skills, including how to write strong applications and handle interviews—skills often taught in sessions organized by the Malawi Youth Officer to empower Youth Hub members professionally.
Linda has grown significantly in her leadership journey through her participation in SAT engagement sessions. For example, she has had opportunities to interact with policymakers and advocate for meaningful youth participation. SAT provides a platform for young people to engage in decision-making spaces and has consistently demonstrated flexibility and deep passion in encouraging youth to pursue their dreams. The platform offers numerous opportunities for young people to apply for and benefit from.
As a Her Voice Fund Ambassador, I am extremely excited because I know this is not just a role, but a meaningful opportunity to amplify the voices of adolescent girls and young women in Malawi.
My primary responsibility as an ambassador is to serve as the face of the Her Voice Fund in Malawi. I work closely with country leads to track commitments and implementation plans at both national and subnational levels. I also monitor the progress of Her Voice Fund grantees in Malawi and report their performance to the Her Voice Fund Coordinator at Y+ Global.
This role allows me to continue advocating for and uplifting the voices of adolescent girls and young women. I am committed to ensuring that their concerns are heard and prioritized at decision-making tables. Currently, the grantees are implementing projects focused on adolescent SRHR and HIV across various districts in Malawi.
