Esther bonyonga: founded ladies in tertiary education

When Esther Bonyonga sees a young woman, she sees potential, strength and the future of our society.

To people who have worked or interacted with her, she is a beacon of hope to many young women in Malawi and across Africa.

Esther wears many hats with one goal of making a difference.

She is an educational activist, Women Human Rights Defenders Coalition Malawi vice chairperson and Rotaract Club of Lilongwe president.

She is also in the Rotaract Executive for District 9210 assistant district Rotaract representative comprising Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Esther is also the Professional Development Director of Next Generation Alumni Association.

She is Ladies in Tertiary Education (Laite) founder and executive director with the motto: ‘Inspired to Inspire’ which reflect a ripple effect of empowerment.

It was founded in March 2018 to empower girls and young women.

Esther disclosed that the inspiration to establish Laite came from witnessing challenges young women face in accessing education and opportunities.

Her organisation establishes college clubs across Malawi, focusing on education, leadership, entrepreneurship, health, combating gender-based violence and climate change.

“I love to see women, especially the underprivileged, win. It is incredibly rewarding to see them grow, succeed and inspire others, knowing that our efforts are contributing to a better and more equitable world. It melts my heart.

“When I was a student union director of women, I was motivated to create a platform that supports and equips young women with skills and confidence to thrive and inspire others,” she said.

The education activist said programmes at Laite are designed to empower young women through mentorship, skill building workshops and advocacy.

Esther said helping the youth is crucial as future leaders and change makers.

“Seeing someone grow and succeed because of the support and opportunities provided through our programmes is fulfilling and motivates us to continue with our efforts,” she said.

Her vision is to create a generation where girls and young women realise their potential and thrive.

Esther’s goal is to expand outreach to more colleges, increase the number of empowered women participating in development activities and establishing stronger partnerships with stakeholders.

She aims for a significant presence in every tertiary institution in Malawi, with measurable improvements in the lives and careers of the women they support.

Her organisation secured funding through partnerships with different non-governmental organisations and fundraising activities.

“We select beneficiaries based on their need, potential and commitment to personal and community development.

“One of our success stories involves a young woman who, through our mentorship programme, secured a scholarship to study abroad.

“She returned to Malawi and is involved in our leadership training programmes, inspiring other young women,” she said.

Esther added that the Laite clubs provide a supportive community where young women share experiences, gain knowledge and develop leadership skills.

Esther also said they have created a platform for different minds to volunteer and make a difference.

“Volunteers are crucial to our operations. They serve as mentors, programme developers, resource mobilisers and researchers. Their diverse expertise and dedication help us achieve our objectives by expanding our reach and enhancing the quality of our programmes.

“Ten years ago, I envisioned myself making a difference, but Laite’s scale and impact have surpassed my expectations,” she said.

Esther admits her journey has been both challenging and rewarding.

They have encountered challenges such as lack of funding, resistance to gender equality and logistical barriers in reaching remote areas.

Laite addressed these challenges by building strong partnerships, conducting community sensitization programs, and leveraging technology to connect and support our members.

She is grateful for the opportunity to impact many lives.

“Our motto guides our activities by emphasizing mentorship, leadership and the sharing of knowledge and experiences to create a continuous cycle of empowerment,” she said.

The multitalented Esther said she collaborates with government agencies and NGOs by aligning their programmes with national policies and development goals.

This involves joint projects, sharing resources and participating in policy dialogues to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to empowerment.

She plans to achieve this by strengthening partnerships, securing sustainable funding and adapting their strategies to meet girls and young women’s evolving needs.

Born and raised in Malawi, Esther is the firstborn in a family of five children.

She did her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at Chancellor College and graduated in 2018.

“We encourage young women not to fear taking leadership roles and I practice what I preach. I encourage all women to never look down on themselves,” she said.

She is also a professional plus-size model and her hobbies include analysis, logical exercises and watching movies.

Esther finds joy in making a positive impact in her community through her career Esther bonyonga: founded ladies in tertiary education