Flight Paths: Women in Malawi Rise with Drone Tech

Studies consistently show that women are underrepresented in STEM fields globally. In Malawi, the gender imbalance is even more stark, with only 2% of women proficient in computer skills compared to 7% of men. But one inspiring initiative is helping change this—one flight at a time.

Tadala Makuluni, an environmentalist and drone pilot from Malawi, is using technology to empower women and create sustainable solutions. With expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and drone technology, she leads efforts to monitor forests, restore degraded landscapes, and support disaster response through her company, Nyasa Aerial Data Solutions.

Thanks to our Giving Joy $500 micro-grant, Tadala launched the Phukira (or sprouting in English) program to equip young women with hands-on skills in drone technology and GIS. Out of 151 applicants, 20 women were selected to participate in this life-changing opportunity.

As one participant, Naysha Chulu, shared, “As a geologist, I joined the Phukira program to expand my skills, but I gained so much more. The hands-on experience with GIS and drones has transformed how I approach mapping and analysis. It’s empowering to apply these tools in ways that bring innovation to my field.”

Tadala partnered with the Spatial Girls Network to ensure the program was inclusive and accessible to all. The program combined lessons with field-based drone mapping activities, where participants gained valuable experience in drone assembly, flight safety, and GIS analysis.

The grant supported the creation of high-quality learning materials, including video tutorials and Google Classroom resources, ensuring continued learning and access. The impact of this program has been profound: many participants, who had never interacted with drones or GIS before, are now pursuing jobs, internships, and sharing their new skills within their communities. Graduates are now poised for careers in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and conservation.

Looking ahead, Tadala and the Spatial Girls Network are expanding the program to reach more women and youth, continuing to build partnerships and host a graduation ceremony to honor their first cohort. This initiative is a powerful reminder of how technology and education can transform communities and unlock untapped potential.

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