First Lady of Malawi, Monica Chakwera, has been appointed as the newest Ambassador of Plan International’s Global Girls Foundation (GGF).
The announcement was made on Sunday, February 16,2025, at a dedicated event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on margins of the 2025 African Union Heads of State and Government Summit, where African leaders and development partners gather to discuss urgent issues affecting girls and young women.
As GGF Ambassador, Monica Chakwera will play a key role in advocating for girls’ rights, education, and leadership across the continent, strengthening efforts to break down systemic barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
Making the announcement at Marriot Executive Apartments Hotel, Managing Director and Co-Head at Global Girls Foundation Lea Bachmann said Chakwera’s leadership will help to advance the fight for gender equality, ensuring girls are at the centre of decision-making processes that shape their futures.
According to Bachmann, Plan International welcomes Chakwera’s appointment and the renewed focus on girls’ leadership, stressing that going forward, strong partnerships with committed leaders are essential to accelerating progress and ensuring girls have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
“Girls have the right to be heard and to lead change in their communities,” said Lea Bachmann,
According to Plan International, Chakwera’s appointment recognises her long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality, particularly through education and leadership development for girls in Malawi and beyond.
Reacting to the newly-unveiled role, the First Lady said she was deeply excited and honoured to be crowned the ambassadorship, observing that across Africa and around the world, girls continue to face significant challenges in accessing education, economic opportunities, and protection from harmful practices.
Said Chakwera in her acceptance speech: “I am deeply honoured to take on this role as an Ambassador for the Global Girls Foundation. The time to act is now.”
She added: “I urge my fellow First Ladies across Africa to stand together in advancing girls’ rights. By investing in education, skills training, and leadership development, we are shaping a generation that will drive Africa’s progress.”
As an active member of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Chakwera has championed initiatives that enhance access to quality education, healthcare, and economic empowerment opportunities for young women.
GGF is an independent philanthropic foundation that supports efforts to advance girls’ rights globally.
