TAMARA EVE BANDA

Tamara holds a Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery, a Degree in Public Health from the University of Livingstonia and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Research at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. Her research interests focus on empowering young people from marginalized communities to recognize their worth. Driven to excel in research, Tamara aims to make a meaningful difference in Malawi and globally.

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Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

Growing up in a small village, I witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by many young girls. Education was not highly valued and early marriages and teenage pregnancies were prevalent. Despite these obstacles, I remained determined to pursue my goals. My parents, though unable to afford school fees, encouraged me to work hard and seek opportunities. Through scholarships and perseverance, I was able to complete my secondary education. My journey has not been without its challenges. Limited resources and lack of role models were significant hurdles. However, I remained focused on my goals, seeking guidance from different people and building a support network. Today, I'm proud to be a role model for young girls in my community, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, they too can achieve their dreams.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

My community continues to face significant challenges, including early marriages, school dropouts (both boys and girls) and teenage pregnancies. These issues not only affect individuals but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including education, community engagement and support services. Efforts to address these challenges are underway, including initiatives to promote girls' education and empowerment. Organisations are working to provide resources, mentorship and support to girls, helping them stay in school and pursue their goals. However, more work is needed to ensure that all girls have access to quality education and opportunities.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

Throughout my life, I've faced numerous hurdles, including financial constraints, limited resources and self-doubt. To overcome these challenges, I've relied on resilience, hard work and seeking opportunities. I've also learned to adapt and stay focused on my goals, seeking guidance from different people and building a support network. One of the most significant hurdles I've overcome is balancing academic responsibilities with personal challenges. Through determination and perseverance, I've been able to stay focused and achieve my goals. I've also learned the importance of seeking help when needed and building a support network.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

A mentor is crucial for me, providing guidance, support and valuable insights. Their experience and expertise help me navigate challenges and make informed decisions. A mentor has been instrumental in my journey, providing encouragement and support as I pursue my goals. The role of a mentor is not only to provide guidance but also to offer a fresh perspective. Through mentorship, I've gained valuable insights and developed skills essential for personal and professional growth. I'm grateful for the mentors who have supported me on my journey.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

Life has taught me the importance of perseverance and determination. Despite adversity, staying focused and committed to my goals has enabled me to achieve success. I've learned that with hard work and resilience, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my dreams. Another lesson life has taught me is that no one is coming to save you and you just need to stay focused. I've learned to rely on myself, take ownership of my goals. Staying focused on my objectives has enabled me to overcome obstacles and achieve success. These lessons have been invaluable, reminding me that my future is in my hands and to stay focused, adapt to challenges and seek opportunities with determination and hard work, I can create the life I want. I'm passionate about sharing this lesson with others, inspiring them to pursue their goals and overcome adversity.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

One Foundation that stands out for its great work is YANA (You Are Not Alone) by Tusaiwe Munkhondya. This organisation empowers girls through education, providing them with the skills and confidence to pursue their goals. Their work is inspiring, and I'm grateful for their dedication to promoting positive change. YANA is making a significant impact in the lives of young girls and boys. By providing residential care for underprivileged and abandoned children, counselling for children and young people suffering from mental health conditions, providing donated clothing, shoes and other essentials to children in rural communities, financial support for orphans' schooling and educational opportunities, skills development for young mothers and vulnerable individuals and provide safe place for survivors of sexual abuse and teen mothers.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Women in Malawi face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare disparities and gender-based violence. These issues perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality, affecting not only women but also their families and communities. Efforts towards gender equality are underway, including initiatives to promote girls' education and women's empowerment. Organisations are working to provide resources, support and advocacy for women's rights. However, more work is needed to ensure that women have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

My motto is everyone can make it despite their circumstances or background with just determination and perseverance. I believe that with hard work and resilience, anyone can achieve their goals and overcome adversity. This motto inspires me to stay focused and committed to my goals. It's a reminder that success is within reach, regardless of background or circumstances. I'm passionate about sharing this motto with others, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

With unlimited resources, I'd launch a holistic empowerment project, focused on uplifting girls and women in my community. The project would provide comprehensive support, including education, healthcare and economic empowerment. I'd establish a community centre, equipped with modern facilities, libraries and technology hubs. The project would offer vocational training, mentorship and entrepreneurship programmes, enabling women to start their own businesses and become financially independent. I'd also establish a network of community-based support groups, providing a safe space for women to share experiences and receive support. Additionally, the project would promote girls' education, providing scholarships, mentorship and resources to help them stay in school and pursue their dreams. By addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, would empower women and girls to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. I'd also create opportunities for cultural exchange, promoting understanding and appreciation of Malawi's rich cultural heritage. The project would partner with local and international organisations, leveraging resources and expertise to maximize impact. By empowering women and girls, it would contribute to sustainable development, promoting positive change and a brighter future for generations to come.

Q: How is technology utilised for social impact in your country? For example are there mobile apps that support gender equality, inclusion, understanding of cultures?

In Malawi, technology utilisation for social impact is still in its early stages. However, there are opportunities for growth and innovation. Mobile apps and digital platforms can play a significant role in promoting gender equality, inclusion and cultural understanding. One potential solution is a mobile app that provides access to information and support services for women and girls. The app could offer educational content, health resources and economic empowerment tools, helping women to make informed decisions and improve their lives. Additionally, the app could provide a platform for women to connect, share experiences and receive support. To influence technology for social impact, Malawi needs investments in digital infrastructure, education and innovation. By harnessing the power of technology, we can promote positive change, improve lives and create a more equitable society. For instance, initiatives like mHealth and e-learning platforms can enhance access to healthcare and education, particularly in rural areas. By embracing technology, Malawi can unlock new opportunities for development and growth, ultimately improving the lives of its citizens.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?

Thank you for the opportunity and for helping me in different areas. I'm thankful for my mentor and the programme for the impact you've made in my life. Your guidance and support have been invaluable and I'm grateful for the chance to share my story and aspirations. I'm excited about the potential for positive change and growth and I appreciate the resources and support that are available to help me achieve my goals. Thank you again for listening and for being a part of my journey.