Linessie Phiri: A Beacon of Hope for Girls in Rural Malawi

Growing up in a rural setting presents a unique set of challenges, especially for young girls. In many parts of the world, cultural norms, economic hardship, and limited access to education create barriers that can seem insurmountable. For girls in Nkhata Bay District, Malawi, these challenges are a daily reality—but thanks to the tireless efforts of Linessie Phiri, hope is rising where it was once in short supply.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Early Marriage

In communities where opportunities are scarce, girls often face immense pressure to drop out of school and enter early marriages. Linessie Phiri knows this reality all too well. Having grown up in a similar environment, she witnessed firsthand how harmful practices and a lack of support could derail the dreams of young women.

Through her organization, the Together We Rise Foundation, Linessie is working to break this cycle. Since 2020, she has supported over 2,000 vulnerable girls by providing essential resources like school uniforms, exercise books, and examination fees. Her goal is simple yet profound: to ensure these girls stay in school and build a future grounded in education, not early marriage.

More Than Just Supplies: Holistic Support for Girls

Linessie’s work goes beyond material support. Recognizing that menstrual hygiene is a significant barrier to education for many adolescent girls, she has distributed reusable sanitary pads to more than 1,500 students. This initiative helps girls attend school consistently, reducing absenteeism and dropout rates.

But perhaps one of her most impactful efforts has been rescuing child brides from forced marriages and helping them return to school. With the support of community leaders, Linessie has successfully reintegrated numerous girls into the education system, giving them a second chance at childhood and learning.

Economic Empowerment Through Skills Training

Understanding that long-term change requires economic independence, Linessie introduced tailoring training programs for vulnerable girls. These initiatives not only provide practical skills but also open doors to entrepreneurship and financial stability. By equipping girls with the tools to support themselves, she is helping to build a generation of self-reliant, confident young women.

A Personal Journey Turned Purpose

Linessie’s passion for this work is deeply personal. Reflecting on her own upbringing, she recalls, “Growing up in a rural community where girls were not valued was not an easy feat. Girls were expected to master household chores to prepare for marriage—not encouraged to pursue an education.”

Despite these challenges, Linessie was fortunate to have supporters who believed in her potential. Her father and St. John Paul College in Coffs Harbour, Australia, provided her with the confidence and resources to excel academically. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Social Science in Development Studies from the University of Livingstonia and an Advanced Diploma in Community Development from Mzuzu Technical College.

Now, she is paying that support forward. “I managed to overcome some challenges because I had people who believed in me,” she says. “That alone motivated me to do better and be the best I can.”

Global Recognition and Future Aspirations

Linessie’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She was recently selected as one of 65 young fellows for the fully-funded 2025–2026 Community Solutions Program by the United States Department of State. She has also been chosen to participate in the 2025 Youth Rights Academy hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Education Above All Foundation in Geneva.

In addition, she will represent Malawi at the 2025 World Bank Group Youth Summit and serve as a Global Youth Ambassador for Education for Their World organization from 2025 to 2027. These opportunities are a testament to her unwavering commitment to gender equality and education.

Aligning with Global Goals

Linessie’s work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Key aspects of this goal include ending discrimination and violence against women, eliminating harmful practices like child marriage, and ensuring equal participation in economic and political life.

“Achieving SDG 5 is crucial not only as a fundamental human right but also for accelerating progress across all other sustainable development goals,” Linessie emphasizes. Her initiatives directly contribute to these objectives, creating ripple effects that benefit entire communities.

The Power of Partnership and Unity

While individual efforts are vital, Linessie stresses the importance of collaboration. Her foundation receives support from organizations like St. John Paul College, Grace Pads, and the Female Empowerment Initiative Ghana, as well as contributions from well-wishers and fundraising efforts.

“We need everyone to do their part,” she says. “Partnerships among all stakeholders are essential to realizing the SDGs and creating lasting change.”

She also believes in the power of women supporting women. “Unity is an important factor that will see to it that girls and women succeed in all their endeavors,” she notes. Encouraging prayer and mutual empowerment, Linessie fosters a sense of solidarity that strengthens her community from within.

A Message of Hope

To every girl growing up in a rural community, Linessie offers a powerful message: “Where you are now shouldn’t stop you from dreaming and achieving your goals. I was there, but here I am today representing not only my community but my country on a global stage. Everything is possible.”

Her story is a reminder that with self-belief, hard work, and support, barriers can be broken and futures rewritten. Linessie Phiri is not just changing lives—she is shaping a brighter, more equitable world, one girl at a time.