Getrude Nsini, National AIDS Commission Coordination and Capacity Building Officer, has finalized translating her ideas into action. She has launched an imaginary role model book titled ‘Selina Mtsikana Olimba Mtima’.
The underlying objective of this book is to transform the mindset of girls—to shift from seeing themselves as powerless victims of circumstance to strong, responsible, and empowered citizens capable of setting and achieving their goals. Narrating her story during the launch of the book on 25th October 2025, Nsini said the idea was hatched while she was implementing various programmes that promote girls’ education. She stated that she observed a persistent challenge of girls’ education which includes the low completion rates of girls in both primary and secondary school.
The main challenges include early marriage, poverty, child labour, peer pressure, and gender-based violence. This is when I thought of contributing to this work by writing this book, which has an imaginary role model- Selina”, narrates Nsini.
According to the author, the protagonist in the book, Selina, faced numerous challenges as a young girl that could have discouraged her from pursuing her life goals. The challenges relate to the challenges that are faced by most rural girls, but Selina was determined to overcome them and become a profitable member of society. “It is the courage, determination, vision, and focus which I would like girls to emulate from this role model”, states Nsini.
The underlying objective of this book therefore is to transform the mindset of girls—to shift from seeing themselves as powerless victims of circumstance, to strong, responsible, and empowered citizens capable of setting and achieving their goals.
Gracing the book launch, NAC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beatrice Matanje described the book as instrumental in empowering young girls who are facing various kinds of abuses that are detrimental to achieving their life goals. Dr. Matanje also shared part of her story as one of the young girls who had to endure a lack of some essential needs and peer pressure to attain her goals.
I feel the book relates to part of my life story as the going was tough as a young girl in secondary school (Lilongwe Girls Secondary School) and at university (Chancol and UNIMA-COM) but like Selina, I endured the challenges with a focus on achieving my desired goal of being educated to attain my needs and elevate the profile of my family. To all girls here and out there, it is possible to attain your dreams regardless of your background and what you are going through.”
Dr. Matanje, therefore, pledged to be part of the action to reach out to more young girls with the message in the book to ensure girls are empowered to take bold steps in life. “I am fully convinced that if young girls are empowered to stick to their vision, we will be able to address the issue of gender inequality and HIV – we cannot separate the role that gender based disparities play on the risk of HIV acquisition.
The NAC CEO bought 25 books, which she committed to distributing to young girls in two organizations she is volunteering with, Hidden Stars Girls Foundation in Lilongwe, and Grace Heritage Foundation in Malomo, Ntchisi where she is a Founding and Managing Director of a low-cost private secondary school.
One of the renowned lawyers, Counsel Eunice Ndingo Dunda, has commended Nsini for the book, saying it contains timely messages to young girls. Losing both parents at a very tender age, Counsel Dunda said she was brought up in an orphanage. “I am also one of the Selinas in this country, my life was in tatters and I had no hope, however, determination to get out of poverty pushed me forward and I had to use all the handles to attain my goals, it is possible!”, attests Counsel Dunda.
The book Selina Mtsikana Olimba Mtima will soon have a radio drama and a film produced by some local artists.
Before joining National AIDS Commission, Getrude Nsini worked with ActionAid, CARE Malawi, EU Micro Projects Programme, World Vision and the Hunger Project.
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