Thirteen Miss Malawi 2025 finalists were over the weekend engaged in charity initiatives as part of the pageant’s assessment criteria.
The initiatives ranged from girls’ education, menstrual hygiene and mental health to youth empowerment.
In an interview, Miss Malawi public relations officer Stephen Mdala said the finalists underwent community engagement training, which is a key focus area and the direction the pageant is taking.
“Community engagement is the direction the pageant is taking. It accounts for 10 percent of the overall scoring for each contestant,” he said.
One of the finalists, Mercy Mpoka from Lilongwe donated items worth K2 million to Tsokamkanasi Primary School in Lilongwe.
Donated items included shoes, raincoats and school instruments.
Mpoka said she wanted to give back to her community and expressed her ambition to lead further initiatives on
financial literacy.
“I was raised in this area and I have seen students struggling, some going to school without shoes and raincoats during the rainy season,” she said.
Another finalist Thandie Chisi carried out her Keep a Girl in School initiative, which promotes menstrual hygiene and girls’ education.
Chisi, who is also founder and executive director of Sustainable Fashion and Women Empowerment (SFWE), visited Mkwichi Secondary School in Lilongwe where she distributed reusable pads and conducted sessions on menstrual health and self-confidence.
“Our goal is to tackle barriers that prevent girls from attending school and help them stay confident while pursuing their education,” she said.
Chisi commended the Miss Malawi Organisation, noting that the programme highlights how the crown can be a platform for creating positive social change beyond beauty.
Her project was implemented with support from SFWE, SAT Malawi, Purple Inc., Flying Girls MW, Mizu, For Rights, and members of the Miss Malawi team.
The other finalists also carried out their initiatives in districts including Salima, Blantyre and Mchinji.
The Miss Malawi 2025 grand finale is scheduled for December 13 at the Pearl Convention Centre in Lilongwe
