Chikondi Chauwa
Malawi

Chikondi Chauwa is an information technology professional with four years of experience in a variety of fields in the information and communication technology sector. She is passionate about developing systems for social development and has developed agriculture and education software systems. Chikondi holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Malawi. She is currently working with the national authorizing office in the Ministry of Finance where she provides technical support to staff working on the administrative and financial management of European Union projects. Chikondi is the founder of Girl Rise Up (GRU), an initiative that focuses on empowering women and girls through education, sustainable energy, and technology. She takes the lead in mentoring young girls by mobilizing learning resources through book drives, and by providing various training opportunities. She has participated in Power Africa’s Women in African Power Leadership Program and is also a member of Sustainable Energy for Africa, an initiative that aims to end energy poverty in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Chikondi is an advocate of women’s rights, and a writer on social issues focuses on women. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Chikondi plans to use the skills and connections acquired to continue her work on improving the lives of women and young girls through education, technology, and sustainable energy.