Miss Culture Malawi second runner-up Maureen Keira Zimba has intensified efforts to empower young girls through her initiative, Unstoppable Me, which seeks to build confidence and purpose among young girls.
Unstoppable Me is about empowering girls and creating a ripple effect of support and leadership among women in the community.
Through the initiative, Zimba motivated students at Kachere Primary School in Lilongwe where the campaign included engaging discussions and distribution of reusable pads by Grace Pads.
In an interview, she said her project is rooted in her personal journey of overcoming adversity. She said growing up as a frequently ill child exposed her to bullying and doubt from others.
Zimba said those experiences pushed her to become a voice for girls who feel overlooked and discouraged,
saying she wants to use this initiative to encourage young girls.
She said: “I want to be a voice for voiceless girls and help them achieve their dreams.
“I want to see young girls develop confidence, self-worth and a sense of purpose.”
Through Unstoppable Me, Zimba said she plans to engage girls on issues such as education, menstrual health and environmental sustainability.
In its initial phase, the initiative is targeting at least 10 schools and over 5 000 girls. However, she said her broader vision is to expand the programme into a nationwide movement. “My ultimate goal is to make Unstoppable Me a national movement and to reach every corner of Malawi,” said the queen.
Zimba further said her Miss Culture Malawi journey has played a key role in strengthening the initiative as she observed that the platform has given her visibility and confidence to advocate for change.
Miss Culture Malawi Grand Talent Requirement director and contestant manager Penelope Mbewe said Zimba’s initiative is a true reflection of what it means to wear the crown with purpose.
She said at Miss Culture Malawi they believe that every queen carries a responsibility beyond beauty and this represents that belief.
“A queen’s journey is defined by her ability to give back, uplift others and create meaningful change within her community. This initiative highlights exactly that, using influence to educate, empower and inspire the next generation of young girls,” said Mbewe.
She also said such initiatives create safe spaces for young girls to dream, to learn and to believe in their potential despite their circumstances
