Girls hacking their way into Malawi’s digital future

From the moment 24 year old Leila Kasoze, a first year student in Management Information Systems at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), stepped into the world of ICT, she has been carrying more than her academic dreams.

She has been carrying the hopes of many girls aspiring to thrive in spaces where women are still a minority.

Her path has not been straightforward though. Without a personal laptop, Leila often depends on her phone or borrows her brother’s computer to complete assignments.

Alongside the resource gap, she has also encountered subtle gender bias, where her contributions receive more questioning than those of her male colleagues.

“I have had situations where my ideas are scrutinised despite being well explained. But I keep pushing, determined to prove my skills and problem-solving ability,” Leila said.

Still, financial stability has lifted some pressure. Leila has her fees paid by aunt giving her space to focus on her studies. For her, mentorship, visible role models, and hands on opportunities are crucial if more girls are to enter Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

“If girls see women excelling in STEM, they will be motivated to follow. We also need more practical opportunities to show how important these careers are,” she added.

At the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), 20 year old Nicole Adala shares a similar story. She ventured into Information and Communication Technology (ICT) knowing it was a male-dominated space, often feeling the need to repeatedly prove her competence. Despite this, she has remained committed to her journey.

“When I started, I realized I could achieve more. That gave me the confidence to aim higher. My dream is to become a cyber-security expert once I graduate,” Nicole said.

She credits her university for offering the support that has made it possible for her to progress.

“The school has been supportive. I have accessed opportunities locally would not have found on my own, including trips and exposure that have been eye-opening. The institution has really helped us girls in ICT,” she emphasised.

Stories like those of Leila and Nicole illustrate the hurdles female students face in ICT. While progress is visible, the numbers remain low.

A 2021 report by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) showed that only 35 percent of students in ICT related programs were female.

At MUBAS, however, the trend is shifting. Professor Patrick Chikumba, Head of Computer Science and Information Systems, says more young ladies are now enrolling.

“In recent years, we have seen strong interest from girls. In fact, in our department the ratio is now close to 50:50 for STEM and ICT courses,” he said.

Professor Chikumba explained that the university has put in measures to ensure equal participation.

“We make sure resources are shared equally, and that in all activities, both male and female students are encouraged to contribute. Compared to the past, girls today are exposed to ICT at a much earlier stage, even at primary school, which helps bridge the gap,” he added.

MACRA appeals for more efforts to ensure inclusion of girls. Board member Malla Kawale warns that with rapid technological change, Malawi risks excluding half its population from the future economy if girls are not supported.

“We encourage girls to recognize the opportunities in technology. As part of this, we are constructing ICT labs in schools, prioritizing rural areas, so that students, especially girls, have the equipment they need to prepare for the future,” Kawale said.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology acknowledges the urgency of the challenge. Spokesperson Christopher Kapachika Banda said deliberate policies are in place through its Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

“The Ministry supports girls in STEM by mainstreaming gender, promoting mentorship, reforming curricula, introducing virtual labs offering scholarships, and running awareness campaigns. These are all aligned with the Malawi 2063 blueprint,” Banda explained.

Despite these interventions, cultural norms still present obstacles. In many communities, STEM is seen as “unsuitable” for girls, while household responsibilities are prioritised over education. These attitudes, reinforced at school and at home, continue to discourage girls from pursuing technical careers.

The global picture is not much different. UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring report shows women make up only 35 percent of STEM graduates worldwide, with even fewer in engineering and data science. Women also hold less than a third of research positions globally, and participation in STEM jobs lags behind non-STEM fields.

In Malawi, these global disparities are worsened by financial challenges, early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and limited access to digital tools, especially in rural areas.

Still, the determination of girls like Leila and Nicole offers a glimpse of what is possible. Their stories prove that capability is not the issue, barriers are.

For policymakers, educators, and communities, the task is to treat these girls not as exceptions but as examples of what Malawi can achieve when opportunities are opened. Empowering girls in ICT is not just about equality, it is about securing innovation and progress for the nation.