The mission of MAWIA is to encourage and support widows, enabling them to live their lives with dignity and independence. MAWIA creates avenues of access for justice, economic stability, and social empowerment. MAWIA’s goal is to create a society where widows’ dignity, safety, and livelihood are assured and respected.
OBJECTIVES
To reduce and eliminate economic hardships that come from property grabbing.
To empower income-generating activities, access to information, knowledge, skills, and information on rights.
To reduce and eliminate harmful cultural practices by fighting for widows’ rights.
To protect the rights of women and widows and promote social inclusion of widows through awareness campaigns.
To support widows and their families in growing their faith and beliefs as a basis for spiritual growth.
MAWIA's Mission
Our Leadership
Malawi Widows Association
Board Director
Andrina Mchiela
Andrina Mchiela has her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science. She is a Retired Principal/Permanent Secretary in Government. She has served on many boards as chair and as a general member, such as serving as the Chairperson of Prime Insurance and as a trustee on the COMFSA Federation of Women in Business. Outside of the boardroom, Andrina owns a nursery and primary school in her hometown.
Executive Director
Christian Zipingani
Christian Zipangani is the first Executive Director for MAWIA. He has also served as Secretariat since 2022. Christian brings his vast experience to inform different projects at MAWIA. He has over twenty years’ experience in implementing transformative research-based development projects. He has worked with Save the Children International for almost 10 years, Goal International for 5 years, and other local NGOs for 8 years, including Eagles Relief International. Christian has managed several USAID, European Union, and NORAD-funded Humanitarian and resilience-building Projects with consortium partners, such as Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Pact International, Christian Aid International, World Renew International, and Canadian Food Grains Bank. He likes reading, traveling, and music.
Vice Chair
Mphatso Chunga
Mphatso Njunga Msangaambe is a long-time experienced entrepreneur and commercial farmer. She is also one of the founders of MAWIA and currently the Deputy Chairperson of the MAWIA Board. She brings expertise in entrepreneurship activities for MAWIA. She likes gospel music and traveling.
Secretary
Charles Nlash
Charles Nlashi is one of the founding members and currently the Secretary of the Board. He joined MAWIA in 2017 and played a vital role during its registration. He is a Social worker by profession with over 25 years’ experience working with the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare. He works for many social services with non-profit organizations.
Treasurer
Amess Nthala
Amess Nthala joined the board in 2018. She holds a BA in Theology. She is also the Founder and Managing Director of Hope for Widows and Takulandilani Language Academy, respectively. She worked for Theological College as a Language teacher and for Grace of God Orphanage as a caretaker. Amess was motivated to join MAWIA because of her passion for widows and being the Voice for the voiceless, as she became a widow at the age of 26. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to spiritual teachings, and motivating other widows.
Board Member
Tammy Phiri
Tammy Phiri is a successful businesswoman in both Malawi and surrounding countries. As a widow herself, she brings business skills to the MAWIA board and encourages widows to invest. She likes gospel music and making new friends.
Board Member
Maltrida Mtemangao
Maltrida Ng’omba Mtemangao joined the MAWIA board in 2019. She has been a Principal teacher with 25 years of experience. Matrider is a widow herself, and she went through a traumatizing experience after the death of her husband. She aims to teach people how to care for orphans, as she has hands-on experience. Maltrida enjoys gospel music and participating in women's groups.
Board Member
Hawa Ndilowe
Hawa Ndilowe is a retired Secretary to the President and Cabinet – Head of Malawi Public Service. She is also a retired Malawi High Commissioner to the United Republic of Tanzania and the USA for 3 to 4 years, respectively. Currently, she is the Chairperson of the Mzuzu University Council. She loves public speaking and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ during her free time.
