Salima, Malawi -- Maureen Mwale, a 23-year-old primary school teacher graduate, faced the harsh reality of unemployment after months of job hunting. Determined to make the most of her time, she stumbled upon a local safe space for women and girls, supported by UNFPA under the UN Joint Programme of Girls Education funded by Norway.

Intrigued by the vibrant sessions drawing young women from the village, Maureen decided to explore what the safe space had to offer. Little did she know that this decision would be the catalyst for a transformative journey.

Maureen reflects:

I was used to being in the front teaching students, but this time around, I had to be the one learning

Growing up in a patriarchal society, she realized she had internalized norms that infringed upon her rights. The safe space became a classroom where she learned to question and challenge these ingrained customs.

The sessions on sexual and reproductive health proved to be particularly empowering for Maureen, a young mother concerned about balancing family life and career aspirations. Connecting with a mentor from the safe space, trained as a community-based distribution agent of family planning commodities, Maureen received invaluable advice that changed her perspective on family planning.

But Maureen's journey didn't stop there. Inspired by her peers, she joined a village savings group formed within the safe space, Tikondane, with 20 members. Through the group, Maureen was able to save and borrow money, kickstarting her entrepreneurial dream.

Using her savings, Maureen opened a kindergarten school in a rented structure, starting with 15 kids. With determination and a vision, she expanded, offering formal and remedial classes for primary school children. Borrowing more funds from the village savings group, she invested in textbooks and chalks, elevating the quality of education she provided.

Maureen's dream of having her own school seemed ambitious, but with each success, it became more attainable. Her infectious smile reveals a newfound hope and confidence.

“I never thought I would be my own employer,” she says, “Who knows, if the school grows, I will even hire more hands to help me. I couldn’t have been this hopeful if I had not joined the safe space as it introduced me to the village savings group.”

By Joseph Scott, Communications Analyst