Impact Made From a Nonprofit Education Internship in Malawi
“Professionally, it has helped me find my career path and I am forever grateful for that. I know that I will be returning to Malawi soon!” - Shayani Jones Read…
GENDER EQUALITY INTERNSHIP IN MALAWI
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Contribute to grassroots women’s empowerment initiatives through education, leadership training, and small business development in Malawi
This gender equality internship in Malawi offers a unique opportunity to support women’s empowerment through community-led programs. Based in Karonga, a rural district in northern Malawi, you’ll work with a grassroots nonprofit organization that leads initiatives focused on reproductive health education, menstrual equity, leadership development, and income generation. As an intern, you’ll assist with program delivery, outreach, and communications that directly benefit women and girls in underserved communities.
One of the central initiatives you’ll support is the Women’s Empowerment Center, where local women receive training, mentorship, and resources to launch or grow small businesses. This internship is ideal for students or graduates in gender studies, public health, social work, or related fields. You’ll gain hands-on experience while building cross-cultural understanding, contributing to meaningful impact, and developing professional skills for a future career in social justice or community development.
Learning Objectives
- Support gender equality and women’s empowerment at the grassroots level
- Develop skills in workshop facilitation, outreach, and program support
- Learn about reproductive health, menstrual equity, and youth engagement
- Gain experience working with a local nonprofit in a cross-cultural setting
ORGANIZATION
Founded on the idea of helping communities from within, this nonprofit connects passionate interns with projects that strengthen legal access, healthcare, and education in Malawi. Based in northern Malawi, the organization supports community-driven programs in areas such as gender equality, youth empowerment, safe motherhood, and human rights advocacy. Their approach is deeply collaborative, working alongside village leaders, healthcare workers, and legal professionals to ensure each initiative is relevant, sustainable, and locally led. Through this model, they foster long-term impact by equipping communities with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to create meaningful change.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This Gender Equality Internship is tailored to your academic background, interests, and skill set. Interns are matched with programs that best align with their goals and are supported by a local team throughout the experience.
Responsibilities
- Assist with delivering reproductive health and sex education workshops
- Support menstrual hygiene campaigns and product distribution
- Contribute to small business mentorship and leadership training
- Document impact stories through interviews, photography, or writing
- Help with fundraising, digital outreach, or communications strategies
- Participate in youth empowerment and civic engagement activities
- Provide support with project planning and field-based coordination
- Collaborate on program evaluation, monitoring, and reporting
Requirements
- Academic background in gender studies, public health, social sciences, or communications
- Interest in women’s rights, education, or community development
- Strong communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills
- Adaptability and openness to working in rural settings
- Motivation to take initiative and contribute to local impact
- Professionalism and respect for local traditions and norms
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay in a five-bedroom apartment in Karonga, hosted by the nonprofit’s family. The house includes shared dorm rooms up to 2 people, single bedrooms, Internet access, TV, a comfortable living room, dinig area, and secure surroundings. It is located 10 minutes from local markets and small shops and nearby your internship placement site. This accommodation offers a safe, social, and supportive environment that encourages cultural exchange while offering a practical place to stay near the project.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Malawi is considered to be safe for tourists, however, being a developing country with poverty, there is petty crime. Keep your belongings securely stored and close to you, don’t walk alone in the dark, always be aware of your surroundings, and follow local advice.
Communication
Communication
Wifi is available at your accommodation. We recommend bringing an unlocked smartphone so you can purchase a local SIM upon arrival or an e-SIM which can also be set up prior to your travels. Local data plans are affordable and reliable, so this is generally the recommended option. Avoid using roaming on your existing plan, as it is often very expensive.
Meals
Meals
At your accommodation, you will be provided with 3 meals daily – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These will mainly consist of local Malawian staples:
-Breakfast may include chips with eggs, toasted bread with butter and jam, coffee or tea, rice porridge, Irish potatoes, or other local dishes.
-Lunch often features traditional Malawian meals such as rice, nsima, beans, chicken, vegetables, or chips (if not served at breakfast).
-Supper is usually a different dish from lunch and can include meat or vegetarian options served with rice, potatoes, pasta, or nsima.
You are welcome to suggest meal ideas given the available ingredients in Malawi and get involved in the kitchen if you’d like. For any additional snacks, these can be easily be purchased in the local market and you’re welcome to use the kitchen facilities (large cooker, mini gas cooker, microwave, fridge, and stove). Bottled water is not included and is available for interns to purchase in the supermarket.
Location Details
Location details
Karonga is a vibrant lakeside town in northern Malawi, known for its rich history and warm hospitality. Nestled between the shimmering shores of Lake Malawi and the dramatic Livingstonia Mountains, it offers a relaxed pace of life with a strong cultural heartbeat. On weekends, you can explore the Karonga Museum’s fascinating archaeological finds, stroll along sandy beaches, or take in breathtaking sunsets over the water.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
4 weeks USD 3,450
8 weeks USD 6,850
10 weeks USD 8,850
12 weeks USD 10,250
16 weeks USD 3,198
20 weeks USD 3,793
26 weeks USD 4,684
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a shared room (up to 4 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability.
- Daily breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Wifi access
- Housekeeping service
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Lilongwe International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Airport transfers – we will arrange this for you in advance; payment is in cash on arrival. You will receive more details about this during the placement process.
- Transport to the project
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.
What can I expect from an internship in Malawi?
You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!
How long can I do an internship in Malawi?
The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Can I get university credit for an internship in Malawi?
Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
How can I prepare for an internship in Malawi?
Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!
Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Karonga, Malawi
PROGRAM FOCUS: Female Empowerment
TASK FOCUS: Gender Advocacy, Women's Leadership, Youth Empowerment
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 3,450
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Work on real gender equality initiatives with a grassroots nonprofit
- Contribute to women’s leadership, education, and economic empowerment
- Help facilitate workshops and outreach in local schools and communities
- Gain practical experience in development, communications, or advocacy
- Immerse yourself in rural Malawian life through a cultural homestay
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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