Michelle Obama, others inspire Malawian girls

Former United States of America first lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday left a lasting impression on 300 girls from Ludzi Girls and Mchinji Mission secondary schools whom she interacted with during her two-day visit to Malawi.

She was in the country alongside global philanthropist Melinda French Gates and leading human rights lawyer Amal Clooney to support the fight against child marriages, advance gender equality and learn how their respective organisations can best support Malawi.

At midday on Tuesday, the trio arrived at Ludzi Girls Secondary School in Mchinji, located about 108 kilometres west of the capital city Lilongwe where, for over two hours, they interacted with students, offering motivational speeches and participating in activities.

Obama, wife to the 44th President of the United States, said she visited Malawi after hearing “so many good things” on how the country is fighting child marriages.

She said: “I am excited to be in Malawi. We are here because we have heard so many good things about Malawi.

“We have been funding the Advancing Girls’ Education in Africa [AGE Africa] and we are happy to hear and see the statistics of the impact of the work that is done here.”

Despite the event being marked by tight security, the mood inside the perimeters of Ludzi Girls Secondary School was relaxed and friendly. The visitors appeared to feel at home and were seen joining the girls in dance as they sang welcoming songs in both English and Chichewa.

Clad in an African print dress, Obama was as charismatic as usually seen in her televised public engagements.

Taking her turn, Clooney said their visit is to make early marriages history.

She said the Clooney Foundation was also working with the Women Lawyers Association (WLA) in the country to defend rights of women who are abused in Malawi, adding she is proud of the work that women lawyers are doing in the country.

As part of the activities, Clooney participated in a legal clinic organised by WLA where about 1 000 women were reached with legal messages and counselling.

The Clooney Foundation supports WLA with funding to run their secretariat and pays salaries for staff, according to WLA president Chisomo Nyemba.

On the other hand, Gates, who is co-chairperson of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was as enthusiastic as her two colleagues.

She seemed at home, having visited Malawi for four times before this tour.

Said Gates: “You have everything within yourself…we are here to learn from you. We are excited to be here.”

The three ladies then joined the students as they headed to the school’s hall where they participated in an AGE Africa Chats programme.

The initiative, which provides a platform for sharing of information, is designed to empower students, foster academic achievement and impart valuable life skills.

A couple of girls who were selected for this activity were split into three groups each joined by one of the guests as participants. For over an hour, the girls interacted with the global leaders.

In her presentation, one girl who seemed elated to have rubbed shoulders with the global leaders, said: “I would like to express my happiness for this opportunity to interact with the former US first lady, Melinda Gates and Clooney. I feel inspired to become a global leader and have their level of influence.”

In an interview yesterday, AGE Africa country director Ulanda Mtamba said the visit by the three prominent women is testament and validation of the work they are doing in Malawi.

She said: “The Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance has supported the work of AGE Africa since 2018.”

A press statement issued yesterday said the three leaders champion programming initiatives in Malawi aimed at building girls’ power, actively contributing through their respective foundations: The Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Clooney Foundation’s Waging Justice for Women programme.