Update: Women’s Centre in Karonga, Malawi – Now Up and Running!

I’m beyond excited to share that the Women’s Centre we helped build in Karonga, Malawi is now open and already making an impact! I had the privilege of fundraising and working closely with the incredible HYCF team to bring this vision to life and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Together, we constructed a safe, vibrant space where women, especially those living with HIV, can gain real, sustainable skills. With two new sewing machines, these courageous women received hands-on training and have already launched their own tailoring shop! We even accompanied them to the market so they could select their own materials. Watching them take ownership of the process from start to finish was truly moving.

This project was recently featured in The Nation in an article titled “Local NGO dares marginalised women on entrepreneurship.” The piece highlights the deep challenges many women face when trying to enter the business world, particularly when it comes to accessing resources and procurement opportunities. This is exactly what the Women’s Centre is here to change by offering not just tools and training, but also ongoing support and mentorship.

One line from the article that really stuck with me: "Women face considerable barriers and challenges to accessing procurement tenders and winning procurement contracts.”

This echoed everything we’ve seen on the ground, and it’s why we’re so proud that this centre is already providing practical, empowering alternatives.

A huge thank you to the HYCF team, you are dedicated, passionate, and full of heart. And to my local host: you were the best I’ve ever had. Your warmth and hospitality made this journey unforgettable.

This is just the beginning. We’re already seeing real change, and I can’t wait to see how far these women will go.
📍Karonga, Malawi

With gratitude,
Tara Khan / United States