Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF)

Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF) is a registered non-profit organisation established by Her Excellency Madam Monica Chakwera, the First Lady of the Republic of Malawi. The foundation, registered in 2020, is committed to fostering the comprehensive development of village girls and vulnerable street children in Malawi. Aligned with a vision of "A holistic citizen empowered for social impact through emancipation from a difficult childhood in the village or on the streets," SOFF collaborates closely with the Office of the First Lady, the Government of Malawi, international and local NGOs and community structures SOFF interventions on girls and women are guided by four strategic impact areas: girls' education, women's economic empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health. The foundation endeavours to ensure that women and girls in rural areas access education and become economically empowered, thrive, and realize their full potential. Over the past three years, SOFF has provided 2,744 secondary school scholarships, built safe and gender-sensitive girls' hostels, empowered over 6,000 girls through menstrual health and hygiene, mentorship, and capacitated 36 community and women groups with economic initiatives.Additionally, SOFF, harmonises the physical, mental, and social dimensions of girls and women by addressing external stressors like poverty, gender-based violence, stigma, and discrimination.