MZUDO impact
Our Story

About MZUDO

We are a women-led civil society organization based in Mzuzu City, Northern Malawi — advocating for the rights, inclusion, and leadership of women and girls with disabilities since 2016.

8+
Years of Service
6
Districts Covered
7,500
Target Beneficiaries
200
Active Volunteers
MZUDO impact

"

Nothing about us,
without us.

MZUDO Core Principle

2016

Year Founded

Women-Led

Civil Society Org.

Our Story

Born from Determination,
Built on Community

Established on 10th November 2016, Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO) was founded by a group of women with disabilities in Mzuzu City who refused to be invisible. Frustrated by exclusion from healthcare, education, climate decision-making, and economic opportunities, they came together with a single conviction: that their voices deserved to be heard.

What began as a small advocacy group quickly grew into a recognized civil society organization. Today, MZUDO operates across six districts in Northern Malawi, working at the intersection of disability rights, gender equity, climate justice, and economic empowerment.

Every program, every advocacy campaign, and every partnership we pursue is shaped and driven by the women and girls with disabilities we serve. They are not beneficiaries — they are leaders, researchers, advocates, and change-makers.

6
Key Focus Areas
6
Districts Active
1K+
Lives Impacted
Purpose

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Empowering women and girls with disabilities to participate, lead, and thrive.

We empower women and girls with disabilities in Malawi by promoting their full inclusion, participation, and leadership in all areas of social, economic, and environmental life — through advocacy, capacity building, and inclusive development programs.

Our Vision

A just and inclusive society where every voice is heard and every life valued.

A society where women and girls with disabilities in Mzuzu and beyond actively participate, lead, and thrive in all aspects of life — social programs, climate action, education, health, research, justice, and economic empowerment.

Our Guiding Principle

"Nothing about us, without us."

Every program, decision, and advocacy effort at MZUDO is designed, led, and evaluated with the active participation of the women and girls with disabilities we serve. Their lived experiences are our primary evidence.

What Guides Us

Our Core Values

Six principles that shape every decision, every program, and every relationship at MZUDO.

01

Inclusion

We believe every person, regardless of disability, deserves full participation in society — in decisions, in leadership, and in life.

02

Rights-Based

Our work is grounded in human rights principles. We advocate for the legal recognition and practical enforcement of rights for persons with disabilities.

03

Community-Led

Nothing about us, without us. All programs and decisions are shaped by the very women and girls with disabilities we serve.

04

Evidence-Based

We invest in participatory research so our advocacy and programs are grounded in real data reflecting the lived experiences of persons with disabilities.

05

Climate Justice

We recognise that women and girls with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate change, and we centre their voices in environmental advocacy.

06

Empowerment

We go beyond awareness to build real capacity — through skills, resources, networks, and opportunities that enable women with disabilities to lead independently.

Our Journey

A History of Impact

2016

Organization Founded

MZUDO was officially established on 10th November 2016 in Mzuzu City, Northern Malawi, by a group of women with disabilities determined to advocate for their rights.

2017

First Community Outreach

Launched initial outreach programs across 3 districts, reaching over 200 women and girls with disabilities with health and rights information.

2019

DRF Partnership Secured

Partnered with the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), enabling the launch of our flagship climate inclusion project and expanding operations to 6 districts.

2021

Research Program Launched

Initiated participatory research involving women with disabilities to generate evidence-based data informing national disability policies and programs.

2023

Disability Act Championed

Actively advocated for and celebrated the passage of the Persons with Disabilities Act by Parliament in December 2023 — a landmark legal milestone.

2025

Phase 2 Project Launched

Launched the second phase of the "Inclusion of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Climate Change Actions and Policies" project in July 2025.

The People

Meet the MZUDO Team

A dedicated team of women driving change for women and girls with disabilities across Northern Malawi.

JS

Joyce Sichali

Executive Director

Joyce founded MZUDO in 2016 and has led the organization's growth into a regional voice for disability rights across Northern Malawi.

MM

Muleza Moyo

Finance & Admin Officer

Muleza manages MZUDO's financial operations and ensures organizational compliance, accountability, and efficient resource use.

ME

Mary E. Gwaza

Office Assistant

Mary supports the day-to-day administration and coordination of MZUDO's programs and events across all districts.

OZ

Omega Zulu

Programs Officer

Omega leads the design and implementation of MZUDO's field programs, ensuring they are inclusive, effective, and community-driven.

Collaboration

Our Partners & Funders

We are grateful to the organizations that trust and fund our work, enabling us to reach more women and girls with disabilities across Malawi.

Disability Rights Fund

Primary funder supporting our climate inclusion flagship project.

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WEDO

Gender, environment and development advocacy partner.

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Mzuzu City Council

Local government partner for community programs.

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Malawi Government

Ministry of Gender, Community Development & Social Welfare.

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Join Us in Building an Inclusive Malawi

Whether you donate, volunteer, partner, or simply spread the word — your support means everything to the women and girls with disabilities we serve.

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