The Women’s Innovation Network (WIN), a new initiative under the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW), was officially launched with a gala dinner on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre. The event, held during MLW Innovations Week, celebrated the network’s inspiring theme, “Empowering Women, Driving Innovation,” and marked a significant step toward advancing the role of women in the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Championed by founding members including Associate Professor Brenda Kwambana-Adams, Dr. Alice Mbewe, and Ms. Evelyn Solomon, WIN aims to inspire, empower, and connect Malawian women and girls who are driving innovation to improve health, economic well-being, and livelihoods. In her opening remarks, Associate Professor Kwambana-Adams outlined the network’s core objectives, which include building capacity for women, establishing a vibrant network of transformative thinkers, and promoting localized innovation among underserved women.
The gala’s timing during Innovations Week was intentional, designed to highlight the crucial link between diversity and innovation. By positioning women at the heart of the week’s theme of “Transforming Health Through Innovations,” WIN underscored that an inclusive approach is vital for building a dynamic and sustainable innovation culture in Malawi.
The evening featured distinguished speakers who shared powerful insights and experiences. Among them were MLW Deputy Director Professor Janelisa Musaya and Ms. Khumbo Ntambo-Banda, founder of Oh Wines, whose presence highlighted the importance of representation in leadership and innovation. The speakers’ diverse backgrounds, spanning academia, human resources, and social entrepreneurship, showcased how innovation thrives on varied perspectives. In a memorable reflection, WIN Co-Lead Ms. Evelyn Solomon emphasized the power of community, stating that “we rise by lifting others,” a sentiment that reinforces the network’s mission to build supportive communities. This message was echoed by Ms. Lucy Hope, Founder & CEO of The Daughters of Mars, who reminded attendees that innovation requires boldness, noting, “Innovation is not just about new ideas, it’s about bold people.”
Looking ahead, WIN is committed to creating spaces for learning, mentorship, and collaboration. The network plans to host various events, including skills workshops, speaker series, and mentorship pairings designed to nurture innovation among women at MLW and beyond. An upcoming workshop in collaboration with MUBAS is scheduled for August, providing a platform to develop strong institutional linkages and amplify women’s contributions within the national innovation landscape.
At its core, WIN envisions a future where women are equipped, visible, and celebrated. The network, which was proudly attended by MLW scientists and other distinguished women from the corporate sector, plans to increase engagement and advocacy to create tangible impact. The successful event was made possible with the support of MLW Director Professor Henry Mwandumba and the leadership team, as well as the VacAMR and the MLW Innovations Hub, whose dedication to empowering women is deeply appreciated.
