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Empowering Women and Changing Lives: A Journey to Malawi

My Brave New Girls guest this week is Vicky Etherington. She runs an online marketing agency and uses her skills to help female entrepreneurs get their message and mission out into the world. She also works with entrepreneurial women in rural areas of Africa to help communities break the cycle of poverty. 

By introducing digital opportunities to the African start-up economy, female founders boost their productivity and create healthy competition in historically male-dominated markets. We discuss a remarkable journey that took her to Blantyre, the second-largest city in Malawi- her mission to empower women in business, her team's experiences delivering workshops, and the profound impact they had on the lives of those they encountered.

Ten individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries, including Vicky, embarked on this journey with the goal of conducting workshops to empower women in business in Malawi. They prepared four workshops covering various topics, such as mental health empowerment, resilience marketing, and proposal writing—topics aimed at providing valuable tools and knowledge to the local female founders.

The workshops brought together approximately 20 women from different industries, ranging from wig-making to farming to teaching. The transformation in these women's confidence was remarkable. From their initial introductions to confidently delivering elevator pitches on the final day, the change was tangible and inspiring. It demonstrated the power of collective support and education in changing one's perspective and possibilities.

While Vicky acknowledges that their impact may not have been earth-shattering, the experience showed how just a few days of collaboration and support can uplift individuals facing challenges in their businesses. It highlighted the profound difference a supportive community can make in reshaping one's outlook. 

Their journey didn't end with the workshops; they climbed Mount Malanji, Malawi's highest mountain, and embarked on another mission. They visited a local secondary school, armed with books and laptops purchased from funds they raised. Their goal was not only to provide material support but to open the students' eyes to their potential and offer them a brighter future.

Vicky, who runs an online marketing agency in the UK, leveraged her skills to benefit the budding entrepreneurs they encountered in Malawi. She adapted her marketing expertise to the local context, recognizing that social media, particularly Facebook and TikTok, played a crucial role in their businesses due to expensive data costs. This flexibility in teaching methods ensured that the knowledge shared would have a tangible impact. 

However, Vicky and her team learned as much from the local women as they taught. They were humbled by the challenges these women faced daily, including government taxes, connectivity issues, and power outages. The experience made them reflect on the opportunities they have in more privileged circumstances and the importance of overcoming self-imposed obstacles.

Malawi's business landscape is predominantly male-dominated, making empowerment a critical element in supporting female entrepreneurs. The workshops helped these women find their voices and empower themselves in a society where they often face substantial challenges.

One of the significant takeaways from this journey was the realization that we, in more privileged positions, have fewer excuses for not succeeding in our entrepreneurial endeavors. While Malawian women confront numerous external challenges, their determination and resilience serve as powerful reminders that success is achievable when we overcome self-imposed limitations.

The women in Malawi aim to create a positive impact beyond their businesses. They understand the ripple effect of their success on their communities and the potential for transforming society. Their desire to create jobs and economic opportunities is a testament to their selflessness and commitment to change.

Vicky's childhood experiences, marked by a nomadic lifestyle and early exposure to different cultures, laid the foundation for her passion for Africa. Her journey to Zambia and later to California, where she worked on conservation projects, further solidified her connection to the continent and her desire to make a meaningful difference. 

Vicky's vision for the future includes supporting projects in Africa that harness renewable energy, helping the continent transition to a low-carbon economy without repeating the industrialization mistakes of the West. She hopes this transition will empower more women to benefit from the leapfrogging of technology and connectivity.

Vicky Etherington's journey to Malawi serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person, or a small group, can have on the lives of others. Their workshops, adaptation to local challenges, and dedication to empowering women in business illustrate the importance of education, support, and self-belief in changing lives. As we face a climate emergency, we can also learn from Africa's potential for sustainable growth and the importance of uplifting women in the process. Vicky's story is a testament to the profound impact that courage, determination, and compassion can have on the world.

Ten Actionable Steps for Empowerment and Positive Change

Identify Your Passion: Begin by discovering what truly inspires and excites you. Understanding your passion is the first step in finding your purpose and making a meaningful impact. 

Education and Skill Building: Invest in your education and skill development. Acquiring knowledge and expertise in your chosen field will give you the confidence and tools to effect change.

Network and Collaborate: Build a strong network of like-minded individuals who share your goals. Collaborating with others can amplify your efforts and provide diverse perspectives.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Be open to adapting your skills and knowledge to different contexts, just as Vicky Etherington did when she adjusted her marketing expertise to suit the needs of women in Malawi.

Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs: Recognize and challenge the limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Understand that you have the potential to make a difference.

Take Action: Don't wait for the perfect moment. Begin your journey by taking small steps toward your goals. Action is the key to progress. 

Support Local Initiatives: If you have the means, support local projects and initiatives in underserved communities. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Embrace Diversity: Celebrate and learn from diverse cultures and perspectives. This openness will enrich your understanding and help you connect with people from various backgrounds. 

Leverage Technology for Change: In our interconnected world, use technology to spread your message and connect with a global audience. Social media, crowdfunding, and online platforms can help you reach people worldwide.

Lead with Compassion: Approach your journey with empathy and compassion. Understand the challenges others face and use your skills and resources to empower them. Remember that the impact you make can have a ripple effect on the lives of many.

These ten actionable steps can guide you on a path toward empowerment, positive change, and making a meaningful impact on the world, just as Vicky Etherington and her team did in their journey to Malawi.

PS. Listen HERE to VICKY’S journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help the planet.