By Yewo Gondwe, MCLD Southern Africa Regional Coordinator
Over the past 8 months, serving as the Southern Africa Regional Coordinator for the Movement for Community-Led Development (MCLD) has been an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. This role has placed me at the heart of efforts to empower communities across Southern Africa to take the lead in shaping their own development futures.
Community-Led Development isn’t just a methodology, it’s a game-changer. It’s about shifting power, recognizing local wisdom, and fostering inclusive systems that prioritize the voices of the marginalized. As a regional coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse networks of civil society organizations, particularly local and community-based organizations. Together, we’ve created platforms for shared learning and celebrated local successes that embody the spirit of self-reliance.
One of the highlights of my tenure has been supporting National Associations, particularly Malawi, through coordinating advocacy initiatives with funders and mobilizing grassroots organizations to influence the locally led agenda. I have also represented the Movement on TV and radio programmes, national and regional level engagements to incorporate community-led approaches in SRHR, gender equality policies and programmes. In addition, supporting the formalization process of the association to have governance structures in place, especially the Board of Directors, and support in resource mobilization has not only been fulfilling but also a learning experience.
In this journey, I have also mobilized potential members across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana who are committed to advancing the community-led development agenda in their countries. However, each country has its unique context and the journey has not been without its challenges. Coordinating across diverse socio-political landscapes requires sensitivity, adaptability, and persistence. Each obstacle has reinforced my belief that sustainable development must be rooted in local ownership.
I am also proud of reinstituting the Global Youth Taskforce for MCLD, which is a platform that mobilizes young people across the world to amplify youth voices and integrate their perspectives within the work of MCLD. The Taskforce has 123 members so far from Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to growing the movement within the region, deepening our impact, and nurturing the next generation of community leaders. True change happens when communities are not just consulted, but trusted, resourced, and empowered to lead. Together, we are not just transforming communities, we are transforming the development paradigm itself.
About Yewo Gondwe
Yewo holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Social Science in Development Studies from the University of Livingstonia and is currently studying for an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy with the Malawi School of Government.
She has 8 years of experience on SRHR, gender equality, and Youth empowerment projects with Non-Governmental Organisations and Government Departments. Yewo served in the Next Gen Reproductive Health Advisory Committee and the World Health Organisation Youth Council. She is the Southern Africa Regional Coordinator for the Movement for Community-Led Development and also serves in the Self Help Africa Malawi Advisory Committee and the Family Planning 2030 Youth Focal Point for Malawi.