Biography

Shakira Madise is a young and ambitious woman with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies from Mzuzu University, Malawi. Her studies covered development theories, social work, public policy, gender studies, and project management. Along the way, she developed a deep passion for climate health, rural development, and the empowerment of young women, girls, youth, and children. These are causes she is committed to championing throughout her career.

As a recent graduate, Shakira pursued her passion for climate health by volunteering with the XYZ Green Initiative, a youth-led organisation that advocates for climate justice in underserved communities. She is also a member of the Green Girls Platform, a young women-led organisation that advocates for climate justice for girls and young women facing unique challenges due to the impacts of climate change in Malawi. She also participated in a climate justice march organised by the Clean Cities Project, a youth-led organisation, to present a petition to Members of Parliament demanding stronger climate justice measures and greater resilience for vulnerable communities.

Joining CorpsAfrica/Malawi as a Cohort 10 Volunteer is a natural extension of Shakira’s passion and career aspirations. She hopes to empower rural communities by promoting self-reliance and long-term development, particularly among young people and women. She believes this opportunity will allow her to serve and contribute meaningfully to rural transformation while strengthening her leadership and problem-solving skills and preparing her to support initiatives that promote self-reliance and sustainable development.