Women’s Leadership in Peacebuilding: The Ndife Amodzi Project in Malawi

Wairimu Mwangi

March 17, 2025

In Malawi’s Machinga district, women are leading the charge in transforming their communities through Ndife Amodzi (“We Are One”), a peacebuilding and empowerment initiative. Recognizing that strong families are the foundation of peaceful societies, this project equips women with the tools to drive economic change, foster harmony in their homes, and participate meaningfully in civic leadership. The project, spearheaded by Global Peace Women (GPW) project leader Enelles Pemba, strengthens families and communities by promoting entrepreneurship, sustainable farming, and values-based peace education. As Malawi prepares for its 2025 elections, the project also plays a critical role in increasing women’s political participation and ensuring that peace begins at home and extends into society.

Women play a vital role in shaping their families and communities. However, in Malawi, systemic barriers such as gender inequality, poverty, and lack of political participation hinder women from reaching their full potential. Ndife Amodzi addresses these challenges by providing women with education in entrepreneurship, farming, and civic engagement, ensuring they become self-reliant leaders within their families and communities.

A group of women and children gather indoors, while two women smile outside with green leaves. The text highlights Women’s Leadership in peacebuilding efforts through the Ndife Amodzi Project in Malawi.

Enelles Pemba

From July to December 2024, the project trained 69 women, 15 girls, and 49 men in income generation, financial literacy, and peacebuilding. Women learned sustainable farming techniques, including backyard gardening and fertilizer production using locally available resources. Through a community-driven approach, participants were encouraged to work alongside their families—particularly their husbands—to strengthen household economic resilience and unity.

GPW’s philosophy emphasizes that peace starts in the home. Ndife Amodzi incorporated values-based peace education, teaching women and their families the principles of moral and innovative leadership, conflict resolution, and civic responsibility. By integrating faith-based problem-solving and shared values, families were equipped with tools to navigate political and social tensions peacefully.

In preparation for the 2025 elections, the project also educated women on civic leadership, the importance of voting, and making informed political choices. These efforts aim to increase women’s participation in governance, challenging the historic underrepresentation of women in Malawian politics.

The success of Ndife Amodzi is built on collaboration. The project partnered with Oxfam Malawi to promote gender inclusivity and youth participation in elections. Additionally, women engaged in social entrepreneurship by selling farm produce, ensuring a sustainable source of income and food security. By fostering a network of community leaders, the initiative strengthens local governance and encourages long-term social change.

The Ndife Amodzi project exemplifies how investing in women’s leadership and empowerment creates ripple effects that transform families, communities, and nations. With continued support and collaboration, this model can be expanded to empower even more women and families, ensuring that peace and prosperity are not just ideals but lived realities in Malawi and beyond.

Learn more about GPW’s work in empowering Women and Families in Peacebuilding. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.