22/03/2025
YESS GIRLS MOVEMENT HOSTS SUCCESSFUL WALKATHON FOR DISABILITY AWARENESS
Lilongwe, Malawi - The YESS Girls Movement , in collaboration with the Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA) and the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation, hosted a walkathon on Saturday the 22nd Day of the Month of March in the year 2025 to promote disability awareness and inclusion.
The event, held under the theme "Yes! Girls Can Be Differently Abled and Thrive," aimed to raise awareness that disability is not inability. The walkathon started at the MAGGA offices in Area 47, Sector 3, and ended at Mbowe Filling Station, with participants wearing awareness T-shirts and handing out flyers to passersby.
The event featured speeches from various dignitaries, including Abwino Michelle Mbewe, Tionge Msukwa, Reyshmah Salim, Chifundo Ngwale, and Mercy Kamau. The speakers emphasized the importance of creating limitless opportunities for girls with disabilities and recognizing their unique strengths.
Miriam Nyoni, The former International Commissioner for MAGGA made a special appearance, encouraging the group to create change and promote friendship-making. She also appreciated and congratulated members who have been part of the Girl Guides movement since they were Brownies.
International guests, including Vanessa Kessi from Tanzania, Raissa from Madagascar, and Mahbuba Jahan Rimu from Bangladesh, also shared their thoughts on the importance of recognizing abilities rather than disabilities.
The event concluded with drinks, snacks, and a closing prayer. Over 50 participants attended the walkathon, including representatives from St. Patrick's Catholic Scouts and Girl Guides, who were invited to participate in the event.
In a statement, Teddy Edward Ntonya Troop Leader for St. Patrick's Catholic Scouts and Girl Guides, thanked the organizers for inviting them to participate. He emphasized that having a disability is not a limitation, but rather a unique strength waiting to be recognized.
