Mwandida Theu: Commissioner, youth activist and human rights advocate

Mwandida Theu stands out as one of the few young women dedicated to advocating for youths and transforming her community.

Growing up, she was privileged to experience life in different parts of Malawi.

This exposure shaped her understanding of the country’s dynamics and deepened her passion for human rights and advocacy.

Mwandida promotes equality, justice and inclusivity in championing the rights and opportunities of young people.

She facilitates youth dialogues on critical issues such as electoral processes, law reform, youth and women participation in politics.

“I am Youth and Society [YAS] programme coordinator for human rights and civil society strengthening. I lead programmes that cultivate a new generation of human rights defenders, mobilise youth participation in governance, anti-corruption, rule of law and advocate for the rights of marginalised groups, including refugees and migrants,” she said.

As a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, she enhanced her leadership abilities and expanded her global network of advocates.

Mwandida is Malawi Peace and Unity commissioner, promoting national peace, reconciliation and fostering unity.

Her journey to becoming a commissioner, youth activist and human rights advocate was driven by a desire to create lasting change in her community and beyond.

Her appointment as Commissioner was a moment of immense pride and responsibility.

“It symbolised recognition for the work I have been doing in human rights advocacy, youth activism and it reinforced my belief in the power of young people to shape the future of our country,” she reflected.

She also shared some of the challenges she’s faced as a young commissioner, particularly in navigating the generational gap within decision-making space.

“Often, the perspectives and experiences of young people are undervalued and it can be difficult to have our voices acknowledged by those who have been in leadership positions for years.

“To overcome this, I have learned to assert myself confidently and use evidence-based arguments to advocate for youth-inclusive solutions. I have also built trust and credibility with other commissioners and stakeholders which helped bridge the gap as they come to realise that young people can contribute valuable insights and fresh perspectives to these critical issues.” she narrated.

She highlighted that her role as a human rights advocate has been fueled by a commitment to justice and equity.

“A few key experiences stand out as catalysts for my passion. One of the most significant was during the development of Malawi’s first-ever National Youth Manifesto in 2018. As the coordinator for the youth decide campaign, I led efforts to gather views and demands of young people, translating them into a unified manifesto,” Mwandida said.

She added that the process was eye-opening as it allowed her to travel to various districts, engage with youth from diverse backgrounds, and hear their frustrations and aspirations firsthand.

She added: “I prioritice creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and heard using gender-responsive facilitation techniques, encouraging open dialogue and inviting women and youths to take part in discussions.

“Over the next few years, I hope to see an increase in the participation of youth and women in politics not just as voters, but as active decision-makers and candidates for public office.

“I envision the dismantling of systemic barriers that prevent women and young people from entering the political arena such as gender-based violence, cultural norms that discourage women’s leadership, and the lack of access to resources for youth to engage in political campaigns,” she said.

Mwandida hopes to see the implementation of more robust policies that encourage youth and women to take leadership roles such as affirmative action policies and gender quotas within political parties and government institutions.

She also hopes to see more platforms that empower young people and women to be politically active and informed.

She added that electoral reforms are essential for making the political process more accessible to marginalised groups.

This includes lowering the cost of running for office, increasing transparency in campaign financing and providing support for young and first-time candidates who may not have financial backing.

When asked how she balances her roles as a youth activist, commissioner and advocate, Mwandida said it requires time management and focus.

To young women aspiring to engage in activism and leadership, her advice is to be fearless and persistent in pursuing their passion.

“The road may be challenging, especially in a world that often discourages women from taking on leadership roles, but it’s crucial to stay focused and resilient. Educate yourself, build your skills, and always seek opportunities to grow.

“Every voice counts and sometimes, it only takes one person to ignite change. Activism and leadership are not just about being on the front lines, but also about building partnerships and collaborating with others.”

Mwandida also emphasized that mentorship and support networks have been essential to her journey, providing her with guidance, encouragement, and access to opportunities she may not have found on her own.

The activist was born in Mzuzu, has a bachelor’s degree in human rights from the University of Livingstonia and isstudying for a master’s in transformative and community development at Mzuzu University.

She values opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals through conferences, workshops and networks such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, fitness activities and the outdoors.

Mwandida is also Digital Society of Africa digital security consultant under the.

She serves as youth advisor for USAID.